7 



MUDDY RIVER 



AND 



BROOK LINE 



RECORDS. 



1634— 183§. 



By the Inhabitants of Brookline, 



IN TOWN MEETING. 




J. E. FARWELL & CO., PRINTERS, 

i375- 



9689 






/% 




INTRODUCTORY. 



No more graphic picture of the habits, condition and character 
of the founders of our republic can be conceived, than that which 
their early public records afford. Their frequent meetings, " by 
public notice from house to house " for consultation on matters of 
common interest or necessity ; for the allotment of the ground ; 
for regulating the keeping of cows, goats and swine ; for the ad- 
mission of new-comers into their community, and allowing them 
house-lots, provided they were likely to become worthy members 
of the congregation, not otherwise; authorizing a loan from the 
common fund to enable a poor brother to cover in his house, on 
the condition that he should make it over to his wife and children 
for a permanent home ; providing that every man should have a 
field to cultivate, and that if any man had fenced in more ground 
than he could plant, he should divide it with one who had none ; 
that gates and stiles should be kept up, so that the shortest cuts 
to the springs of water or other places of resort should not be 
obstructed ; that boys should not ride the horses across the com- 
mon to water on the " Sabbath day." All these matters and in- 
numerable others were discussed, regulated and provided for " att 
general meetings upon public notice, given the day before." 

Thus familiarized with the discussion and management of pub- 
lic affairs when those public affairs were limited to the immediate 
necessities of a few score of emigrants, cast upon the shores of a 
limitless wilderness, when the settlement became a colony, and the 
colony expanded into a State, the habit and the capacity to 



discuss and to comprehend public questions " grew with its 
growtli and strengthened with its strength; " and they who had 
been faithful in a few things were made rulers over many things. 

This system of town governments, as developed in these colo- 
nies, is the seminal principle of popular government. Men born 
and nurtured under the influence of town government, are incapa- 
ble of subjection to the rule of caste or d^aiasty. Had Boston 
been a city a hundred years ago, she could not have sounded the 
trumpet whose echoes awakened a continent, and gave birth to a 
nation. This was the work of the people in their primarj^ assem- 
blies. The thrilling eloquence of the Boston town meetings echoed 
from every meeting-house and school-house in the land, and not 
only the towns and hamlets of New England, but the wheat fields 
of Virginia and the orange groves of the Carolinas sent back the 
patriotic response. The town meeting became the terror of the 
British king, and the imperial parliament was invoked " to put 
a stop to them." No army threatened the British power in Amer- 
ica. It was to put a stop to the town meeting that armed merce- 
naries were stationed on Fort Hill. Should the unhappy time 
ever arrive when the town meeting, the indigenous growth and the 
special glor^- of New England, shall cease to produce its apples of 
gold, the school and the college, powerful as the}' are, will be in- 
adequate to perpetuate public libert}'. Our schools, themselves, 
and our entire educational system, as well as our political insti- 
tutions, are the product of the town meeting. The esuly records 
of our towns are therefore of primary importance to the acquisi- 
tion of a proper knowledge "of the sources of the growth and 
development of American civilization. 



EXPLANATORY, 



The Warrant calling the one hundred and sevent3--eighth annual 
meeting of " the Inhabitants of the land" originally known by the 
name of Muddy River and more recently b}'^ the name of the Town 
of Brookline, contained the following article, viz: ''Nineteenth. 
To consider the subject of indexing, cop3dng and printing the 
Town Records." 

When this article came up for consideration it was 

" Voted, That the nineteenth article be referred to a Committee 
of three, to be appointed by the Chair, to report to the adjourned 
town meeting." 

The Moderator, Charles H. Drew, Esq., " appointed the follow- 
ing gentlemen to compose said Committee, to wit : N, C. Tovtle, 
J. Emory Hoar, J. W. Edgerly." 

This Committee reported to the adjourned town meeting that in 
their opinion, the early records of the hamlet of Muddy River and 
of the town of Brookline contained matter of historical interest 
and value which seemed to require that they be placed bej'ond the 
contingenc}' of destruction b}' the loss or defacement of the single 
copy then in existence and that they ought to be placed in a con- 
dition to be more accessible to persons whose interest or inclina- 
tion might prompt their examination. 

In accordance with the views contained in the report it was 
" voted that the Town Clerk and a Committee of three to be ap- 
pointed by the Moderator shall be authorized to cause to be made 
a complete index to the records of the town." 



. 6 

It was also voted, that said Committee be further authorized to 
have the records of the hamlet of Mudd}' River and of the town of 
Brookline down to the year 1837 printed for the use of the town 
and placed in the hands of the Town Clerk to be sold at a price to 
be fixed b}' the Committee, the proceeds to be accounted for to 
the town. The Moderator reappointed the members of the former 
Committee to constitute the Committee contemplated in the 
above votes. 

As the result of their labors, the Committee have the satisfac- 
tion respectfull}' to submit to the town this printed volume of the 
first two centuries of its records. 

The first seventy-one pages of this book have been gleaned, by 
laborious research, from two large folio volumes of the "Boston 
Records," both of which volumes are found in the quaint, original 
chirography of the seventeenth centur}', altiiough one of them has 
been transcribed upon parchment. The succeeding thirteen pages 
are taken from the Boston " Book of Possessions " and from docu- 
ments found in the office of the Secretarj' of State. 

The first volume of the Brookline Records contains, besides the 
public proceedings of the meetings of the inhabitauts of the ham- 
let of Mudd^' River and of the town of Brookline ; a record of 
births, deaths aud marriages ; numerous memoranda of the taking 
up of stray cattle, horses and swine, with descriptions of the marks 
1)3' which the animals could be ideijtified ; certificates of the warn- 
ing of sundry persons to depart out of the town, and various other 
matters. 

All that portion of the volume which relates in any way to the 
proceedings of public meetings of the hamlet or town will be found 
,in this book between pages eighty-five and one hundred and 
seventy-seven, inclusive. That portion of it which relates to the 
social statistics will properly' constitute a part of the complete 
record of "Births, Deaths and Marriages," which the Committee 
were instructed to have prepared ; and would, of course, have been 



out of place here. The remaining portion of the first volume con- 
taining the early records, in order that nothing should be omitted, 
however unimportant or even useless much of it might appear, has 
been placed, in the form of an appendix, at the end of this volume. 
After careful consideration this arrangement of the matter seemed 
to be the oul}' practicable one which would preserve an intelligible 
harmony in the record and at the same time avoid the omission of 
anything found in the original volume. This matter could not 
have been placed in this book in the form and order in which it is 
found in the original, wdthout commencing the book at both ends, 
reversing a large number of pages and ending in the middle. 
Besides this, it would have been necessary to interrupt the record 
of the regular public proceedings of the town with masses of wholly 
irrelevant and incongruous matter, bearing dates many 3'ears prior 
and subsequent to the periods into which it would have appeared 
to be injected. By the method adopted, the continuity and se- 
quence of the historical record, the matter of primary importance, 
has been preserved in chronological order. 

The contents of the second volume of the Brookline Records, 
dating from March 4, 1754 to April 2, 1798, will be found on pages 
from one hundred seventy-seven to four hundred twenty-four. 

The contents of the third volume of the original records, dating 
from April 2, 1798 to April 1838, will be found on pages from 
four hundred twent3'-five to six hundred and thirty-six. 

The carefully prepared indexes of subjects and of proper names 
■will enable the reader to find readily au}' particular matter or 
name of which he may be in search. 

N. C. TOWLE, 
Chairman of the Committee on Town Records. 

J. EMORY HOAR, 
Secretary. 



EARLY RECORDS 



UD DY RIVE 



[Extracted from " Boston Records."]* 

The 10th clay of the 9th month, November, 1634. — Att a general 
meeting upon pubb. notice given the day before, it was ordered 
and agreed upon vizt. : 

Imprimis : — That Hogg Island shall be lotted oat unto the in- 
habitants and freemen of this town according to the number of 
names in every family, b}' John Coxall William Brenton and John 
Sauuford and that none shall further fell any Avood there until the 
same be lotted out. 

Item : — That Edmund Quinsey, Samuel Wilbore, William Bus- 
ton, Edward Hutchinson the elder, and William Cheesbrough, the 
constable shall make and assess all these rates, Vizt., a rate of 30£ 
to Mr. Blackstone, a rate for the cowes keeping, a rate for the 
goates keeping, and other charges in rambe goats about them and 
the does in common and make a rate for the young cattle and 
cows keeper at Mudd}' River. 



*At a court of Assistants hoUlen at Cliavlestowu ye 7th September, IGSO It is ordered 
yt Toy mountaine shall be called Bostoue, Mattapan, Dorchester and ye towne upon 
Charles Kiver, AVatertown. 

That this is a true coppie as attests 

EDAVARD RAAVSON, Secretary. 

Ocfofcer 3, 163-2.— It IS thona:ht, by geucrall consent yt Boston is ye fittest place lor 

publick Meetings ol' any place in ye Bay. 

*^ o ^ 1 .-J EDWARD RAAVSON. Secretary. 



10 

lOth month, day 18th, (1634). — At a general meeting upon public 
notice ; 

Imprimis: — It is agreed that Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Coddington, 
Mr. Bellingiiam, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Olj^var, Mr. Colborne and 
William Balstone shall have power to divide and dispose of all 
such lands belonging to the town (as are not yet in the lawful pos- 
session of an^' particular persons) to tlie inhabitants of the town, 
according to the orders of the court, leaving such portions in 
common for the use of new comers and the further benefit of the 
town as in their l)est discretions, they shall think fit, the Island 
hired by the town to be also included in this order. 

^th of the 12th month 1G34. — At a general meeting upon public 
notice ; 

Imprimis : — It is agreed by general consent that all the inhabi- 
tants shall plant, either upon such ground as is alread}' broken up 
or inclosed in the Neck# or else upon the ground at Noddies Island 
from Mr. Maverick's grant, and that every able man fit to plant, 
shall have allowed him two acres to plant on, and for every able 
youth, one acre, to be allotted out by Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Cogan, 
Mr. Sampford and William Cheesbrougli and Mr. Brenton or any 
three of them. 

Item : — That every man shall make his fences sufficient for all 
his planting ground on the Neck, upon pain that if any loss do 
come for defect therein, the damage shall be satisfied by such upon 
whose fence the break shall be, unless it do come by unruh- cattle 
and that then such as are owners of them shall, after warning given 
unto them satisfy for all after damages b}' their said unrulj^ cattle ; 
Also the fences to be made sufficient before the seventh day of the 
second month ; and they to be looked unto by our brother Grubb 
and brother Hudson for the new field ; our brother Penn3-nian and 



*"The Neck" wns the name given to the peninsula of Boston proper, as distin- 
guished from Rumncy Marsh (Chelsea) Noddles Island (South Boston) Muddy Itiver, 
(Brooldine) Avere included in the town of Boston. 



11 

brother Colborne for the field bj" him ; and our brother Penn and 
brother Belehar for the first field. 

The 2^cl of the last month 1634. — At a general meeting upon 
public notice ; 

Imjyrimis : — It is agreed b^^ general consent, that all barren 
cattle whatsoever, except such as are constantly employed in 
draught, and weaned calves of 20 weeks old and weaned male 
kids shall be kept abroad from off the Neck upon penalty for everj^ 
one unput away within a week after warning, two shillings six- 
pence for every week not put away ; and our brethren John Saun- 
ford, William Cheesbrough and William Boston to take care for 
the observing of this order. 

Item : — that there shall be a little house built and a sufflcientl}^ 
paled 3-ard to lodge the cattle in of nights, at Pullen Point neck 
before the 14th da}- of the next second month. 

Item: — that no swine above 12 weeks old shall be suffered to 
go at libert}- on the Neck, but kept up in j-ards, upon penalt}^ for 
every swine otherwise suffered 12d. for every daj- so taken ; and 
this order also to be looked unto b^- the aforesaid brethi'en and 
the}- to look out and appoint keepers for them and to see them 
paid for their so keeping ; the swine to be put from off the Neck 
before the first of the next month or else to keep them up in their 
yards upon the penalty aforesaid. 

Thei'ddof the first month 1G35. — At a general meeting upon 
public warning ; 

Impri7nis: — It is agreed by general consent, that the overseers 
of the fences of the several fields, shall see to the making of such 
stj'les and gates as may be needful for every field, and our brother 
Willbore to see to the gate and st^de next to Roxburie, all of them 
to be done before the aforesaid seventh day of the second month ; 
the stj'les and gates for common highways to be made out of the 
public charge forth of the constable's hand ; and the private st3des 
and gates to be made at the charge upon the land in ever}- field 



12 

proportionably for every acre, upon pain for every the field not so 
done by the 1st daj^ of the 3d month, 20s. to be forfeited b}* the 
overseers thereof. 

Item : — Whereas the wood upon the Neck of land towards Pvox- 
biny hath this last winter been disorderly cut up and wasted 
whereby niau}^ of the poor inhabitants are disappointed of relief 
they might have had there, in after and needful times ; Now it is 
generally agreed, that Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Bellingham Mr. William 
Hutchinson with the three deacons shall consider who hath been 
faulty therein and set down what restitution of wood unto the 
poor such shall make according to their several proportions, 
allotted by the major part of these six. 

liem : — that whosoever at any public meeting shall fall into 
private conference to the hindering of the public businesses, shall 
forfeit, for every such offence 12d. to be paid into the constable's 
hands for public use. 

Ite7n : — It is generally agreed that no wood shall be felled at 
an}' of the Islands nor elsewhere until the}' be lotted out, but at 
Mudd}- River, Dorchester Neck or Noddles Island. 

The lAth of the 10th month 1635.* — At a general meeting upon 
public notice ; 

Iin2:)rimis : — It is agreed b}' general consent ; that Mr. William 
Colborne, Mr. William Aspinwall, Mr. John Sampford, William 
Balston and Eichard Wright, shall, in the behalf of the town go 
and take view at Mount Woolliston and bound out there what may 



*Our brother Pnrynout to be. our teacher: — Litewise it was then generally agreed upon, 
that onr brother Philemon Pormout shall be entreated to become sclioolmaster for the 
teaching and nurturing of children with lis: 

For our brother Fairbancke, or our brother Thomas Wardall to become cow keeper: — 
Also that our brother Richard Fairbancke shall be entreated to take the cows to keep- 
ing that are ui)on the Neck; and in case he cannot, then our brother Thomas Wardall 
to be entreated thereunto. 

^th of the Gth wonz/t.— Nicholas AVillis was chosen constable for this following year 
and haih taken the oath accordingly. 

The ZOtk of the dth month called November \&Z^. — At a general meeting upon public 
notice; 

Imprimix:— It is agreed that no further allotments shall be granted unto any new 
comer but such as may be likely to be received members of the congregation. 



13 

be sufficient for Mr. William Coddiiigton and Ednnmd Quinsey to 
have for their particular farms there and accordingly as they five 
or four of them shall agree upon, to stand and the same to be en- 
tered in this book : 

Item : It is agreed, that the said five men or four of them, shall 

lay out at Muddy River a sufficient allotment for a farm for our 
teacher Mr. John Cotton : 

jtQ^^i ;_It is agreed that Mr. William Colborne shall have his 

proportion of ground for a farm unto him, laid out at Muddy River 

' near unto and about his house * which he hath there built, by the 

other four, before mentioned vizt., William Aspinwall, John 

Sampford, William Balstone and Richard Wright or three of 

them. 

Item .-—That the two Elders Mr. Thomas Ollyver, and Thomas 
Leveritt shall have their proportion of allotments, for their farm- 
ing laid out at Muddy River by the before named five persons, 
vizt., William Colborne, William Aspinwall, John Sampford, Wil- 
liam Balstone and Richard Wright or four of them. 

Item .-—That the poorer sort of the inhabitants, such as are 
members or likely to be, and have no cattle, shall have their pro- 
portion of allotments for planting ground and other assigned unto 
them by the allotters, and laid out at Muddy River, by the afore- 
said five persons or four of them, and those that fall between the 
foot of the hill and the water, to have but 4 acres upon a head 
and those that are farther off, to have five acres for every head, 
the plot to begin next Muddy River side : 

/tcm,_That none shall sell their houses or allotments to any new comer but with the 
consent and allowance of those that are appointed allottors. 

Kfjn— That all such as have allotments lor habitations allotterl unto them shall build 
thereon before the first of the first month next called Marcli, or else it shall be in the 
power of the allottors to disiiosc of them otherwise. 

item.— That Mr. William Hutchinson, Mr. AVilliam Colborne and Mr. William 
Brenton shall set prices upon all cattle, commodities, victuals, laborers and work- 
men's waives, and that no other prices or rates shall be given or taken. 

/fern.— That none of the members of this congregation or inhabitants amongst us shall 
sue one another at the law, before that Mr. Henry Vane and the two Elders Mr. 
Thomas Ollyver and Thomas Leveritt have had the hearing and deciding of the cause, 
if they can. 

♦Was this the first house built in Brookline ? 



14 

Ihe 4th of the 11th month called January 1635. — Item: — It is 
agreed that hereafter from this clay none shall fell an}' wood or 
timber at Muddy River or any other place of private allotments 
but upon their own allotments. 

Ife/'/i, : — That all such as have felled any trees in any the appoint- 
ed places for private allotments shall either cart awa}^ the same 
within this six months or else the owners of the ground shall have 
it. 

Item : — It is agreed that every one shall have a suflicient way 
unto his allotment of ground wherever it be and that the Inhabi- 
tants of the town shall have libertie to appoint men for the set- 
ting of them out, as need ;5hall require, and the same course to be 
taken for all common Highways both tor the town and countrie. 

The 23d of the 11th month IGoo. — At a general meeting upon 
public notice ; 

Item : — That such of the poorer inhabitants whose allotments 
were otherwhere, shall have libert}' for three years, to plant at 
Muddy River where the rest do plant, upon such part of their allot- 
ments, as themselves are not able for the present, to phint ; they 
in regard thereof making their part of fence and leaving such fence 
as they do make in due reparation and not taking away any of the 
wood and timber upon those allotments. 



Okigin of the Office of Selecxmex. 

The \Wi of the Ist montk called March 1636.— At ^ general meeting upon private 
■w.iriung; 

At tliis meeting it was agreed that Mr. Tliomas Oliver, Tlioraas 'Leveritt, Mr. "William 
Hntcliinson, William Cnlborne, .John Coggesliall, Joiin Sampford, Richard Tattcll, 
William Aspinwall, William Brenton, William Balstone, .Tacob Ellyott and .James 
Peune, shall, from this daj^ look unto and set order for all the allotments within ns, 
and for all comers m unto us, as also for all other the occasions' and businesses of this 
town, excepting matters of Election for the General Conrt, and so from time to time to 
1)6 agreed upon and ordered by them or the greater part of them, for these next six 
months. 

It was oi'dered that no townsman shall entertain any strangers into their houses for 
above 14 days, without leave from them that are appointed to order tlie towns busi- 
nesses. 

It was ordered, that none shall keep any victualling houses, for the selling of wine 
beer, cakes or any otlier kind of victuals withm this town, but oulj' such as are alloM'cd 
thereunto as Innkeepers. 

The IGth of the 1th month September 1030. —At a generixl meeting upon this day; 

At this assembly Mr. Thomas Olyvar, Thomas Leveritt, Mr. William Hutchinson, 



15 

Isf of the 9th month 1030.— Also it was agreed that our teacher, 
Mr. John Cotton shall have unto his lot at Muddy River all that 
ground lying betvreen the two brooks, next to William Colbornes 
allotment there and so to the other end unto the shortest over cut 
beyond the hill towards the northwest. 

The 12th of the same Wth month (1036).— At a meeting this 
day of Thomas Ollyvar, Thomas Leveritt, William Hutchinson, 
Robert Keayne, -John Newgate, William Coulbourne, John Coggs- 
hall, William Brenton, John Sanford and William Balstone, it is 
agreed that Edward Belchar, William Talmadge, Thomas Suowe, 
William Dominqe and John Arratt, the servant of William Bren- 
ton, shall have their great allotments at Muddy River, and also, 
our brother Robert Hull and Thomas Wheeler : And also it is 
agreed that not above one dwelling house shall be built upon any 
one lot without the consent of the town's overseers. 

The Oth of the llth month called January 1036.— At a meeting 
this day of Thomas Olyvar, Thomas Leveritt, William Hutchin- 
son, Robert Keayne, John Newgate, William Coulbourne, John 
Coggeshall, William Brenton, John Sanford, and William 
Balstone — 

It is agreed that the Captain Underhill shall have a great allot- 
ment of SO acres of upland and ten acres of marsh ground, in the 
most convenient place, after the laying out of the former granted 
allotments at Muddy River. 

It was farther agreed that our brother Isaac Grosse shall have a 
great nllotment at Muddy River. 

Ml- Robert Keayne, Mr. Johu Newgate, Mr William Coiilborne, Mr. John Cosgeshall, 
Mr. John Sampford, Mr. William Brenton. and Mr. William Balstone, are with general 
consent, chosen for these next six months to oversee and set order lor all allolments, 
belonging to this town and for all other occasions and businesses of the same, (except- 
ing matters of election for the General Court) from time to time to be agreed upon and 
ordered by them or the greater part of them. 

Item .—At this assembly it was agreed upon by common vote and by liftmg up ot 
hands that the 5(55 acres, as they are desi^ribed in a map and which were formerly pur- 
chased at Mount Woollystone, by our pastor iMr. Jolm Wilson, with the consent ot this 
town partly of Mr. Pynoheon, partly of Mr. Woolcott partly ot Mr. Smitli (or at least 
his title utterly silenced) and partly of the Indians, should be and is the allotment of 
the said Jolin AVilson there, together with the land there in controversy betwixt Dor- 
chester and Boston, if tiie court adjudge them to Boston. 



16 

The 1th of the 12th month called February 1636. — At a meeting 
this day of Thomas Leveritt, William Hutchinson, Robert Keayne, 
John Newgate, John Coggeshall, John Sanford, William Brenton 
and William Balstone, 

It was agreed that In-other Thomas Alcock shall have his great 
allotment laid out at Muddy River. 

Also that our brother Thomas Savage shall have seven acres of 
the marsh ground at Muddy River, laid him out for the keeping of 
his cattle (being in number five) by our brother William Coul- 
bourne and others. 

29 of the 2d month, 1637. — It is ordered that the field fences at 
Muddy River shall be made sufficient before the 7th day of the 
next third month, by equal proportion of acres upon the planters 
thereupon, in default of 12d. for every acre then undone. 

The 2d of the Uh month 1637.— Mr. Thomas Flint hath allotted 
unto him 24 acres of the marsh ground at the mouth of Muddy 
River, there to be laid out for him. 

The Sth of the llth month called January 1637. — The great allot- 
ments at Muddy River. 

linprimis: — Edward Browne, eight acres, bounded on the south 
west with Mr. William Coulbourne, on the north west with Richard 
Bulgar and on the south east with Muddy River and north east 
with Benjamin AYard : 

2. Benjamin Ward, 12 acres, bounded on the Southwest with 
Edward Browne, on the north w'est with the cedar swamp and on 



The Wth March 1637— At a general meeting upon public notice; 

At tills meeting, Mr. Tliomas Olyvar, Tliomas Leveritt, Mr. William Hntcliiuson, 
Mr. William Coulljorne, Mr. John Coggsiiall, Mr. Robert Harding, Mr. Jolin Sanford, 
Mr. William Brenton, Mr. William Balstone, James Penne and Jacob Elyott, are with 
general couscut chosen, for these next six months to oversee and set order for the 
town's occasions as formerly hath been. 

16«/i of the Sth month, Oct. 1637.— [The same men re-elected with the addition of Wil- 
liam Aspinwall] for these next six montlis and so until new ones be made choice of, 
and their cliarges at their meetings are to be borne by the town in general: 

Aurj. 1638.— It was agreed that none should soil tlieir houses but with some part of 
their great allotments, without the consent of tlie overseers of the town's occasious. 

There was leave granted to Francis Lyall to become an inhabitant. 



17 

the south east with Muddy River and on the north east with John 
Gramme : 

3. John Gramme sixteen acres bounded on the southwest with 
Benjamin Ward, on the northeast with the Gedar Swamp, and on 
the south east with Muddy River and on the northwest with 
Robert Houlton : 

4. Robert Houlton sixteen acres bounded on the south west 
with John Gramme ; on the north west with the Gedar Swamp, and 
on the south east with Muddy River and on the northeast with 
Jarrat Bourne : 

5. Jarratt Bourne eight acres bounded on the south west with 
Robert Houlton, on the north west with the cedar swamp and on 
the south east with Muddy River and on the northeast with John 
Biggs. 

6. John Biggs eight acres bounded on the south west with 
Jarratt Bourne, on the northeast and south east with Muddy River 
marsh and on the north west with William Beamsle}^ : 

■7. William Beamsl}^ sixteen acres bounded on the south east 
with John Biggs and on the southwest with the Gedar Swamp and 
on the north east with Muddy River marsh and on the northwest 
with Thomasj'n Scottua, widow. 

8. Thomasyn Scottua, widow, sixteen acres bounded on the 
South east with William Beamslej", on the south west with the 
Gedar Swamp and on the north east with Muddy River Marsh and 
on the north west on Alexander Becke : 

9. Alexander Becke eight acres bounded on the south east 
with Thomasyn Scottua, widow, on the southwest with the Cedar 
Swamp and on the north east with Muddy River Marsh and on the 
north west with Raphe Route, laborer : 

10. Raphe Route twelve acres bounded on the southeast with 
Alexander Beck, on the northeast with a little marsh at the mouth 
of Gharles River and on the Robert Reade on the north west. 

11. Robert Reade eioht acres bounded on the southeast with 



18 

Raphe Route and the said little marsh, on the north east with 
Charles River running from thence towards the south west a 
quarter of a mile in length towards the surveyors marks and on 
Mathew lues on the northwest : 

12. Mathew Ines eight acres bounded qu the southeast with 
Robert Reade, on the northeast with Charles River of the same 
length towards the southwest and on Anthony Harker on the 
northwest : 

13. Anthony Harker eight acres bounded on the southeast 
with Mathew Ines, on the noi'theast with Charles River and of 
the same length to the southwest and on John Pemmerton on the 
northwest : 

14. John Pemmerton eight acres bounded on the south east 
with Anthony Harker on the north east with Charles River and of 
the same length to the southwest and on George Griggs on the 
north west : 

15. George Griggs twent}' and eight acres bounded on the 
south east with John Pemmerton, on the north east with Charles 
River and of the same length to the southwest : and on James 
Fitch* and Richard Fitch on the north west : 

16. James Fitch and Richard Fitch sixteen acres bounded on 
the south east with George Griggs and Edmund Jackson, on the 
northeast with Charles River and on the Northwest with Newtown 
and on Anne Ormsb}', widow, on the south west : 

17. Anne Ormesb}', widow, eight acres bounded on the South 
east side and both ends with the Cedar Swamp and on Nathaniel 
Woodward the elder, on the south west : 

18. Nathaniel Woodward, the elder, twenty and eight acres, 
bounded on the southeast with Anne Ormesb}^, the widow, on the 
northeast with the Cedar swamp, the southeast side extending 60 
rods and the north west side 80 rods towards the southwest : 

19. James Johnson eight acres bounded on the southeast with 
Nathaniel Woodward, being 80 rods in length ; and on Nathaniel 
Heaton to the northwest : 



19 

20. Nathaniel Heaton twenty acres bounded on the southeast 
with James Johnson, being 80 rods in length and on Edmund 
Jackson to the northwest : 

21. Edmund Jackson eight acres bounded on the southeast 
with Nathaniel Heaton and of the same length towards the north- 
east and on the north west with James Fitch and Richard Fitch 
and on the southwest with a swamp : 

22. Richard Bulgar twent}^ acres bounded on the southeast 
with Edward Browne and on Mr. Coulborne on the northeast, with 
the Cedar Swamp and Nathaniel Woodward, the north west side 
being 80 rods in length : 

23. Elizabeth Purton, widow eight acre bounded on the south 
east with Richard Bulgar and of the same length towards the 
south west and northeast and on William Salter towai-ds the north- 
west : 

24. William Salter eight acre bounded on the south east with 
widow Purton and of the same length to the southwest and north 
east and on William Wilson to the northwest. 

25. William Wilson twelve acres bounded on the southeast 
with William Salter and of the same length to the sonth west and 
northeast and on William Townsend to the northwest : 

26. William Townsend eight acre bounded to the southeast 
with William Wilson, on the northwest with a swamp, by Mr. 
John Coggeshall's wigwam and William Dyneley : 

27. William D3-neley four and twent}^ acres bounded on the 
south east with William Townsend, and on the north east by 
the said swamp, extending to the southwest, about 40 rods in 
length and on Richard Tappin to the northwest : 

28. Richard Tappin four and twenty acres bounded on the 
southeast with William Dyneley and on the northeast vfith the 
said Swamp, extending to the southwest about 40 rods in length and 
on the northwest to Newtowne, a small piece of land lying 
between. 



20 . 

29. Francis Biishnall four and twenty acres 13'ing in the form 
of a triangle bounded on the south with William Coulbornc and on 
the northeast with Richard Bulgar, AVidow Purton and William 
Salter and on Henry Elkyn to the northwest : 

30. Henry Elkyn eight acres bounded on the southeast with 
Francis Bushnall and on the southwest with Mr. William Coul- 
borne ; being about 70 rods in length and on Richard Fairbancke 
to the Northwest : 

31. Richard Fairbancke four and twenty acres bounded on the 
southeast with Henry Elkyn and on the south end partly with Mr. 
William Coulborne, being 80 rods in length on the northwest 
side : 

32. John Mylam, fourteen acres bounded on the southeast with 
Richard Fairbancke, being 80 rods in length to the southwest and 
northeast, and on Robert Walker to the northwest : 

33. Robert Walker, foui'teen acres bounded on the south east 
with John Mylam, on the northwest with James Davisse and a 
fresh marsh by Newtowne, being 80 rods in length to the southwest 
and Northeast : 

34. James Davisse, ten acres bounded on the southeast with 
Robert Walker, on the north east with the said Fresh marsh ex- 
tending from it to the southwest about 40 rods, on the northwest 
by Newtonne, about two acres of ground overplus between : 

35. William Pell, five and twenty acres, bounded on the south 
west with Mr. William Coulborne and a brook running between 
Mr. John Cotton and him on the southwest side being 80 rods in 
length : 

36. Robert Reynolds five and twenty acres bounded on the 
southeast with William Pell, and John Cranwell and George 
Baytes, on the Northwest with Newtonne, being on the northwest 
side, half a mile in length : 

37. John Cranwell, ten acres bounded on the southeast with 
Mr. John Cotton, on the Northeast with the said fresh brook and 
on the northwest with Robert Reynolds and George Baytes : 



21 

38. George Baytes fifteen acres bounded on the northeast with 
John Cranwell, on the South east with Mr. John Cotton and on 
the North west with Robert Reynolds : 

39. Philemon Pormout thirty acres bounded on the Northeast 
with John Cranwell, on the south east with Mr. Thomas Leveritt 
and by a piece of ground h'ing between him and Mr. John Cotton, 
on the Northwest with Newtowne : 

40. Robert Mears twenty acres bounded on the Northeast 
with Mr. Thomas Olyver, on the south east with Roxbury and on 
the southwest with Captain John Underbill, his land lieth in the 
form of a triangle : 

41. Edward Bendall, five and thirty acres bounded on the 
South east with Robert Mears, on the northeast with Mr. Thomas 
Leveritt, extending itself to the North west side about 70 rods in 
length and on Thomas Wardall to the south west : 

42. Thomas Wardall twenty acres bounded on the southeast 
with Edward Bendall, on the North east with Mr. Leveritt, extend- 
ing itself on the Northwest side 80 rods in length : 

43. Mr. William Blackstone fifteen acres bounded on the 
Southeast with Thomas Wardall extending itself eighty rods in 
length to the southwest and Northeast and on Robert Tytus to 
the Northwest : 

44. Robert Tytus twenty acres bounded on the Southeast with 
Mr. Blackstone ; extending itself 80 rods in length towards the 
Southwest and Northeast and on William Courser to the North- 
west : 

45. William Courser, ten acres bounded on the southeast with 
Robert Tytus, being 80 rods in length to the Southwest and 
Northeast and on Alexander Winchester to the Northwest : 

46. Alexander Winchester twenty acres bounded on the South- 
east with William Courser, being 80 rods in length towards the 
Southwest and North east and on Henry Burchall to the North- 
west : 



Q9 



47. Henry Bnrchall fifteen acres bounded on the Southeast 
with Alexander Winchester being 80 rods in length to the South- 
west and Northeast and on Robert Turner to the Northwest : 

48. Robert Turner ten acres bounded on the Southeast with 
Henry Bnrchall, on the Northwest with Newtowne being 80 rods 
in length to the Southwest and Northeast : 

49. William Deming ten acres bounded on the Southeast with 
Roxbury, being 80 rods in length to the Southwest and Northeast 
and on John Arratt to the Northwest : 

50. John Arratt, ten acres, bounded on the Southeast with Wil- 
liam Deming being in length 80 rods to the Southwest and Northi- 
east and on Captain John Underbill to the Northwest : 

51. Captain John Underbill four score acres bounded on the 
Southeast with John Arratt being ninety two rods in length on the 
North west side : 

52. William Talmadge fifteen acres bounded on the Southeast 
with Captain John Underbill, being 80 rods in length to the 
Southwest and Northeast and upon Thomas Snow on the North- 
west : 

53. Thomas Snow ten acres bounded on the Southeast with 
William Talmadge, being 80 rods in length to the Southwest and 
Northeast and upon Isaack Grosse on the Northwest : 

54. Isaack Grosse fifty acres bounded on the Southeast with 
Thomas Snow, being 80 rods in length to the southwest and 
Northeast : 

Mr. William Coulborne a hundred and fifty acres, bounded on 
the Northwest by Francis Bushnall, Henr}- Elkin, Richard Fair- 
banck and William Pell, to the west by William Pell, to the south 
by a fresh brook running between him and Mr. Cotton, to the 
Northeast by Edward Browne and to the East bj- Muddy River : 

Mr. John Cotton, all the ground lying between the two brooks, 
next unto Mr. Coulborne's allotment, and so to the other end, 
unto the shortest cutting over beyond the hill towards the North 



23 

west, containing two hundred and fifty acres, (be it more or less,) 
bounded on the North by the said fresh brook, on the West by 
Jolm Gramme and George Baytes, on the South b}^ a fresh brook 
running between him and Mr. Leveritt and on the East b}' Muddy 
Eiver : 

Mr. Thomas Leveritt a hundred acres bounded on tlie North by 
the said fresh brook running between him and Mr. Cotton, on the 
West b}'- Edward Bendall and Philemon Pormout, on the South 
by Mr. Oliver, the east end being a sharp angle : 

Thomas Oliver a hundred acres, bounded on the North with Mr. 
L'everitt, on the West with Robert Mears, on the South with Rox- 
bury, the east end being a sharp angle : 

Mr. Thomas Oliver fifteen acres of Marsh, bounded on the South 
with Muddy River, on the West with Jarratt Bourne, the browes 
of his upland being 80 rods in length, and on the North with Mr. 
Leveritt : 

Mr. Thomas Leveritt fifteen acres of the same marsh next 
adjoining, bounded on the South with Mr. Oliver, on the west with 
the browes of the Upland there being 80 rods in length, and on 
the North with Mr. Coulborne : 

Mr. William Coulborne ten acres of the same marsh, bounded 
on the South with Mr. Leveritt, on the West with browes of the 
Upland, there being 80 rods in length, and on the North with 
Robert "Walker : 

Robert Walker five acres of the same marsh bounded on the 
South with Mr. Coulborne on the West with the browes of the 
Upland there being 80 rods in length and ten rods broad : 

And for the more clear distinctions of all these, the marks and 
limits of the surveyors are extant : 

The 19lh of the twelfth months called February, 1637. — There is 
gi'anted to John Love to have a houseplot and also a great lot at 
Muddy River : 

Also, to Thomas Scottoe a great lot at Muddy River, for thi-ee 
heads : 



24 



Also, to brother Isaac Perry, a houseplot near to brother Robert 
"Walker's and a great lot at Muddy RiA'er for two heads : 

Also to Silvester launders a great lot at Mudd}' River for two 
heads : 

Also to Ralph Mason a great lot at Mudd}- River for six heads : 

Tke lQ>th of the second Month caUed April 1638. — Also a great lot is 
granted to Edmund Aronsby for three heads, at Muddy River : 

Also to our brother, Thomas Wheeler, a great lot at Mudd}^ 
River, for three heads : 

Also, to Jacob Wilson a great lot there for three heads : 

Also, to Mawdit Inge, a great lot there for three heads : 

Also there is granted to William Hu.dson the younger, a great 
lot at Muddy River for three heads. 

The 'Jih of the fifth month called July, 1638. — It was agreed that 
Robert Reynolds shall have five acres of Marsh ground at Muddy 
River in exchange for five acres of his upland there, to be laid out 
by Mr. Coulborne : 

The 8th of the 8th month 1638. — At a meeting this day of 
Thomas Olyvar, Thomas Leveritt, Robert Kea3'ne, William Coul- 
borne, John Newgate, James Penne and Jacob El^-ott, [Overseers 
of the town's occasions.] 

There was granted to Mr. William Tinge the having of his great 
lot at Muddy River for eight persons and forty and two heads of 
cattle, in present possession and thirty heads to come, four hun- 
dred acres and an hundred more : 

24:th day of the same 10th month. — Also, Esdras Reade, a tailor 
is this day allowed to be an inhabitant, and to have a great lot at 
Muddy River, for four heads : 

The 21 of the 11th Month, January 1638. — At a meeting this 
daj' of [the town's men] Leave was granted to John Odlyn to make 
use of a piece of marsh ground at Muddy River, containing an 
acre, lying against the third lot there until the town shall see 
occasion for further disposing of it : 



NOTK. In one Instance it is added "four acres upon a head." 



25 

Also, this day, our brother Robert Scott hath for the sum of 
lo£ Gs. sold 23 acres of upland at Muddj' River, that was our 
brother Richard Fairbancks great allotment, unto our brother 
Thomas Savidge, his heirs and assigns forever :* 

Further at the same meeting it appeared by a writing dated this 
same 18th day of 12th month 1G38, that Thomas Scottow, of Bos- 
ton, joiner, hath sold to Thomas Grubb of the same, all his six 
acres of ground, Ij'ing at Muddy River " adjoining to m}^ mother's 
lot there and which I bought of her : " 

The 2oih day of the \^i Month called March 1639. — Our brother, 
Mr. Grj'ff'en Bowen hath a great lot granted unto him at Muddy 
River, 

Also our brother Richard Hollidge hath a great lot granted unto 
him there for three heads : 

Further at this meeting it appeared b}' a writing, dated the first 
day of August 1038, that Mr. John Underhill hath surrendered 
unto Mr. Thomas Makepeace of Dorchester, his house in Boston, 
with an hundred acres of upland ground at Muddy River and ten 
acres of meadow or marsh ground there, and his share of wood- 
land in the Islands, with a garden at the house and another behind 
Mr. Parker's house, to the quantity of half an acre and somewhat 
more, and also near half an acre upon the forte hill, for the sum of 
an hundred pounds : 

It is also ordered that the corn field fence at Muddy River shall 
be made sufficient before the 20th of this next 2nd month, April, 
upon penalty of every rod then undone 6S. 8d. and to be seen unto 
b}' our brethren John Audlj-n and Edward Baytes, and for the 
charge of the fence, the broken up ground to pay for every acre 
three thirds thereof, and the unbroken up two thirds of the charge 
of every acre. 

The 29 of the 5th 7nonth, Jidy 1639. — There is granted a great lot 
to our brother John Smyth, tailor, at IMudd}' River, for tlu-ee heads ; 



'Fii-st instance of a sale of land at Muddy Eiver. 
4 



26 

Also, John Leveritt hath granted unto hhn a great lot at Muddy 
River for ten heads : 

SOth Sept. 1639. — Also, to Mr. David Offlej' a great lot at 
Muddy River for 15 heads : 

7he 28th da// of the 9/Ji month Oitohcr 1G39.— Also a great lot 
granted to our brother Nathaniel AYoodward, at Mudd}' River for 
3 heads : 

The 30lh day of the 10/h mo/ith, December 1639.— There is 
granted to Richard Sherman a great lot at Muddj- River, for seven 
heads, if it be there to be had : 

Also, our brother John Kenricke hath a great lot allowed to him 
at Mudd}' River for four heads : 

Also our brother George Curtys hath a great lot granted to him 
there for 2 heads : 

At this da}' it was agreed that 500 acres at Mudd}- River for 
perpetual commonage to the inhabitants there and the town of 
Boston, to begin at the outer bounds of Mr. Hibbin's lot and so to 
go into the country, as the land will afford, before an}- other allot- 
ments are laid out hereafter : 

Whereas at a former meeting there was granted to our brother 
Thomas Scottoe a great lot at Mudd}- River for three heads, which 
as 3'et have not been laid out, for him and that now he is increased 
to five heads, he is therefore now allowed to have said lot for five 
heads : 

27th day of the Wih niontli 1639. — Also to Henr}' Messenger a 
great lot at Mudd}' River for two heads : 

Also to our brother Joshua Scottoe a great lot there for three 
heads : 

Also to Thomas Painter, joiner, a great lot at Muddj' River, for 
4 heads : 

Also, there is further granted to Mr. William Ting, in regard 
that his great lot at Muddy River is not 3-et laid out, nor could be 
in regard to the bounders between Boston and Roxbury were but 



27 

lately determined, and that now the number of his persons and 
cattle are increased, there is farther granted to him an hundred 
acres more, to be laid unto his lot formerly granted. The breth- 
rens lots and the commons there already granted being first laid 
out : 

Also, there is granted to our elder Mr. Thomas Olj'var all the 
fresh meadow belonging to Boston, lying under the foot of the 
great hill at Muddy River, next Newtown bounds there : 

Also there is granted to Mr. William Coulbron a parcel of fresh 
meadow adjoining to the little fresh brook parting between us and 
Newtown bounds at Mudd}' River and running into Charles River 
there : 

The 2ith day of the 12th month February 1639. — Also, there is 
granted to William Blauton carpenter, a great lot at Muddy River 
for 3 heads. 

Also there is granted to Leonard Buttles bricklayer, a great lot 
at Muddy River for 4 heads : 

Also there is granted to old Robert Wing a great lot at Muddy 
River for 4 heads : 

The 30lh day of the 1st months March 1640. — It is ordered that 
Mr. William Coulbron and Jacob Elyott shall set out to brother 
John Odlin such quantity of marsh ground at Muddy River as they 
shall think convenient for him, and shall certify the same at the 
next town's meeting, that a price ma}^ be set of the same, upon 
payment whereof, the said marsh ground to be granted to the said 
John Odlyn and to his heirs forever :* 

Also William Colbron and Jacob Elyott are appointed to lay 
out the Highways at Muddy River towards Cambridge if 

The 27 day of the 2nd months April 1640. — At a meeting this 
day of Mr. John Winthrop, Governor, Mr. Richard Bellingham, 
Assistant, Captain Edward Gibbons, Mr. William Colbron, Mr. 
William Ting, Mr. John Cogan and Jacob Eliott. It Tvas ordered : 



* First instance of selling land at Muddy Kiver by the government, 
t First record of laying out of highways at Muddy Hirer. 



28 

First, that William Hibbins should have his great lot at Muddy 
River (if it be there to be had,) as near his land he bought as may 
be, without wrong to others, and to this end Mr. Colebron and 
Goodman Eliott are to view the place and certify to the next 
meeting what may be done : 

Edward Grosse is granted a lot for two heads at Muddy River, 
if it be there to be had after former grants are served : 

John Odlin is to have 8 acres of Marsh at Muddy River for 4£ 
which he paid down and Edward Grubb six acres there for 3£ and 
Benjamin Gillum 10 acres for 5£ and John Davis 8 acres for 4£, 
to be set out by Mr. Coleburne and Goodman Eliott after Mr. 
Hibbins is served : 

The 25lh of the ocl month called May 1640.*— To William Hibbins 
is granted a parcel of meadow at Muddy River, containing b}' esti- 
mation about 10 acres, inclosed by a great swamp on the one side 
and great Rocks on the other, provided it falls not in any former 
grant ; if we can better accommodate him hereafter, he is content 
to resign this again : 

The i)\s,t of the Qlh month 1640. — Theodore Atkinson is granted 
his great lot for two heads, at Muddy River, if it be there to be 
had after others are served that had their grants before him : 

The 2Uh of the 8th month 1640.— There is sold to our brother 
John Odlin one acre and half of Marsh at Mudd}' River adjoining 
to eight acres former^ granted and sold to him for which he hath 
paid in hand 15S : 

Also at the same meeting our brother Thomas Grubb and our 
brother Garrett Broorne are appointed overseers of the fence at 
Muddy River in the common field to see it made by the first of 
April and in default of ever^^ rod not then repaired and made, the 
owners of the said land are to forfeit 3S. 4d per rod and the said 



*Also John Palmer, carpenter, now dwelling here, is to be allowed an inhabitant, if 
he can pfct an house or laud to set an house upon, (it being not proper to allow a man 
an inhabitant without habitation:) 



29 

overseers shall have power from the town's men to distrain for 
such monej-s so growing due :* 

Our brother Peter Oliver hath granted unto him sixty acres of 
land at Muddy River, if it be there to be had, of the which there 
is granted some marsh, if there be any there, always provided that 
those grants before granted are first served : 

Our brother James Oliver hath granted to him 40 tie acres at 
Mudd}' River, if it be there to be had when those afore granted 
are served : 

There is at this meeting a bridge appointed to be made at 
Muddy River Mr. Coleburne, our brother Eliott and our brother 
Peter Oliver are appointed to see the same done. 

There is likewise granted, this day, to William Hibbins, three 
hundred acres of land at Muddy River, bounded by Cambridge 
line on the one side, Mr. William Ting's on the other side and 
Dedham line on the other, with the ordiuarj- allowance for rocks 
&c: 

Our brother John Biggs hath sold unto him 4 acres of marsh, 
at Muddy River, for 10s, per acre, the former grants being made 
good : 

Our brother William Talmage being laid out short of his former 
grant at Muddy River hath granted him to be added thereto, five 
acres if it may be laid out adjoining to his former grant and 
bounding upon Cambridge line : 

Also hath granted him 3 acres of marsh at Mudd}' River, paj-- 
ing therefor 10s. per acre if it be there to be had when former 
grants are performed : 

Our brother Edward Fletcher hath granted him a great lot at 
Muddy River for three heads, the which is supposed was formerl}' 
granted to him : 

It is ordered at this present meeting that there shall be no more 
land granted at Muddy River nor the Mount until such lands as 



♦ First officers and by-law specially provided for Muddy Kiver, 



30 

are already granted are laid out, and the residue of the land known 
what the acres are : 

lite last day of the dlh month 1640. — Mr, William Ting, his allot- 
ment formerl}' granted him at Muddy River containing 600 acres 
in all, is thus bounded, namely, with lands as 3-et in common 
towards the Northeast with Roxbury land towards the Southeast, 
with Dedham land towards the Southwest and with land granted 
to William Hibbins towards the Northwest : 

28//t of the 10 month 1640.— Our brother Mr. Wentworth Day, 
his suit for a lot at Muddy River : 

Our brother Day desireth at Muddy River to have a lot and the 
towns men have taken it into consideration : 

The townsmen have taken into consideration likewise the suit 
of Miles Tarne for a lot for five heads : 

The 22(1 of the last month 1640. — Brother Courser of Boston hath 
sold and resigned up his lot at Mudd}' River, it being 10 acres, to 
our brother Alexander Beck of the same town : 

29th of the First month 1641. — It is granted that those lots for- 
merl}" granted to our two Elders Mr. Oliver and Mr. Leveritt in the 
full proportion of land as it now lieth, shall by this order be con- 
firmed unto them, although their lots do amount to a greater quan- 
tity of land than was intended at the granting thereof : 

The 2<ol,h of the 2nd month 1641.— Our brother Mr. Wentworth 
Da}' hath granted unto him 100 acres of land for his great lot at 
Mudd}- River, out of a part of that land which was appointed for 
the Commons '. 

There is granted to our brother Henr}- Webb to purchase 3 acres 
of marsh at Muddy River if it be there to be had : 

William Hibbins hath confirmed unto him that fresh marsh 
which was formerl}- granted him, at Muddy River, valued at 10 
acres formerl}^ but proveth to be about 18 acres bounded with a 
rocky piece one side and a great swamp on the other : 

Slst of the 3d month. — Our brother Turner is granted that land 



31 

which lieth between his lot and Cambridge new line so far as the 
length of his lot reacheth, it lying along b}- the side thereof and no 
farther : 

To our brother Thomas Scottua is granted a small quantity of 
salt marsh lying between his great lot and Charles River. 

The 1th of the 12th month 1641. — There is granted unto Robert 
Reynolds three acres of Marsh at Muddy River for which he is to 
pa}' six shillings eight pence unto the town, according to what he 
should have paid for that parcel of marsh which was to be pur- 
chased by him at Hog Island but is now sold unto Thomas Mar- 
shall : 

This Uh of 1st mo. 1642. — At a general town meeting upon 
lawful warning, It's ordered that the residue of the town Lands 
not yet disposed of (excepting those that are layd out for comons 
at Boston, Braintry and muddy river) shall be divided amongst 
the present Inhabitants (together with such as shall be admitted 
within two months now next following) and yt in ys manner, vizt. 
a greater Proportion to ym, yt, have had lesse than their due, and 
the lesse to them that have had more and proportionable to ym, 
that have had none and this is to be done b}' 3-e Select men chosen 
for the tovv'n businesse.* 

28^/i 1st mo. 1642. — John Bigs and William Biscoe are ap- 
pointed overseers of the common fence at Mudd}' River, according 
to the order made on the 26th of Sth mo. 1640. 

25 of 0, '42. — Wm. Tynge, Treasr. Wm. Colbron, and John Oli- 
ver are appointed to join with Dedham Cambridge and Watertown 
to lay out the highwa3"s from town to town through Boston lands 
at muddy river, as also to lay out more private wa^'es there with 
landing places or otherwise : 



* First use of the term Selectmen. 

10 of the lltk month IGU.— It is orrlereil that the constables shall pay xinto Eobert 
Turner for diet for tlie Townsnten 2£ ISs. 

It is ordered that Deer Islantl shall be improved for the maintaiuance of a fi'ce school 
for the town: 

1641. — The townsmen of Boston fixed the wages on public work at Is 6d per day, or 
kalfatushel of corn. 



32 

Tlie 26 of the lOlh month 1642. — Wm. Briscoe and Peter Oliver 
are appointed to oversee the common fence at mudd}' ri^-er. 

1647. — Wm. Briscoe and Ralph Root are to see to 3-e making np 
of ye fence at muddy river : ' 

The 26 of tha \2ih monih 1648.— It is ordered that Jacob Eliot 
shall have the swamp that joineth to his allotment at Muddy River 
next to Cotton Flax's house by the common field, reserving liberty 
to cut hedging wood in it for the common fence that runneth 
through the said swamp : 

24:Lk of the Q/h month 1651.— Mr. Davis, Peter Oliver and 
Edward Devotion and Henry Stebons are chosen to go the bounds 
of the town betwixt Braintree Cambridge, Dedham and that way : 

The lodofthe 12 mouth 1651. — Jtirratt Borne complaining that 
Ralph Root makes use of his marsh at Muddy River which was 
formerly granted to Jacob Eliot as appeareth by the Record the 
first of the 5th month 1637, for the deciding the bounds thereof, 
Deacon Marshall, Ensign Oliver and Peter Oliver are chosen to 
view the ground and make return thereof forthwith : 

John Audlin brought a certificate of the bounds of nine acres of 
marsh he bought of the town the 27th of the 2nd month 1640 as 
follows, one parcel one acre more or less bounding on the east on 
Muddy River ; on the south upon the old Landing place, on the 
w^est on the allotment of Benjamin Ward, John Craine and Robert 
Houlton ; on the north the marsh of Elder Oliver ; the other par- 
cel, being eight acres, more or less, in the great marsh, on the east 
the allotment of Mr. Hibbins ; on the south on Muddy River, on 
the west on the marsh lot of Elder Oliver ; on the North upon the 
marsh of Mr. Cotton : 

The Sih of the 1st month 1651-2. — Constable for Muddy River, 
John Kenrick : 



Note. 2Slh l.it mr). Ifi40. — Tt is orrlcvprl flint the constables shall pay uuto Robert 
Turner for diet, beer and lire lor tlie ."^cleetnuu ISs. 

2?id nf the 1st inn. I(i40.— The .Seleelions of town oflifors is made annual, the town 
meeting to be on the second 2d day of the let month, [March] to meet at 8 a. m. 



1651-2. — For Surveyor of the highways for Mudd}- River 
Peter A spin wall : 

Tlie 26 of t](,e 2n:d mordhl<oi)2. — It is ordered tliat William Beams- 
lej- and Jarratt Bourne shall see the general fence at Muddy River 
shall be put into repair according to order of court ; in the ab- 
sence of either of the two above mentioned, Alexander Beck is 
appointed to supply the place : 

oQtli Gth mo. — Mr. Edward Hutchinson and Thomas Marshall, 
Lieutenant James Johnson and Sargent Peter Oliver are appointed 
to view the lauds at Mudd^^ River for the laying out of a highway" 
into the marsh and to make return thereof to the next townmeet- 
ing : 

14 of the ls,t ono. 1G52-3. — John Doolittle, constable at Muddy 
River. 

The 28 of the \&t month 1653. — It is ordered that Maclin Knight 
of Boston and Nathaniel Yf ilson of Muddy River are chosen over- 
seers of the fence at Muddy River according to law provided in 
that case : 

30 of the llih mo. 1653.— It is ordered that Alexander Beck and 
Edward Devotion shall oversee the fences at Muddy River, and 
give w'arning to the owners of the several fences that the}^ be made 
sufficient betwixt this and the 25th of the first mouth, and so keep 
in sufficient repair from time to time according to order as in that 
case is provided : 

12th 1 month 53-4. — Jarratt Bourne, constable. 

27 of the 1st month 1654. — Mr. William Davis and Mr. Peter 
Oliver, John White and Peter Aspinwall are chosen to join with 
Cambridge to lay out a high way through Muddy River to Cam- 
bridge : 

Mr. James Oliver and Robert Turner are appointed to run 
the line betwixt Cambridge and Roxburj' and the Town of 
Boston in perambulation. 

28 of the 9fh month '54. — Edward Devotion is chosen constable, 

in the room of Jarratt Bourne : 
5 



34 



1655. — John White chosen constable for Muddy River. 

dOlh of the 1st month. — Perambulators for muddy river, — Captain 
James Oliver, Lieutenant Robert Turner, John Hull, Jacob Eliot, 
Peter Oliver and John White are chosen to run the line between 
Cambridge and Boston and Roxbury and Boston at Muddy River : 

order for the comon field at muddy river. — Alexander Beck and 
Ralph Root are authorized to oversee the fence in the common 
field at Muddy Paver and have power to choose out of the pro- 
prietors meet men to attend that work from time to time : 

27:2: 55. — It is ordered that the wife of Piggolt shall be forth- 
with sent to Muddy River to her husband by the constable : 

28, 3, 1655. — At a meeting this day of Mr. Wm. Brentou, Mr. 
Sam. Cole, Mr. Wm. Paddy, Capt. James Olliver, Mr. Peter 
Olliver &Wm. Davis. 

Whereas ye last running of ye head line att muddy river between 
Boston & Cambridg was not determined to mutual satisfaction, itt 
is now agreed yt ye line shall be run again between us & ye issue 
of ye case to be in ye determination of Lieut. Fisher & those sent 
by the town wth Mr. Jackson for Cambridge wch shall be done 
wth convenient speed : 

10, 1, 55 (56]. — Constables chosen, for Rumne}' marsh & muddy 
river, William Ireland and Henry Stevens : 

25, 11,56. — Robert Harris of mudd}' river in consideration of 
two high waj-es taken outt of his land, hath 4 acres of land granted 
him outt of ye towns waste land most convenient for him, & mr. 
peter olliver is ordered to lay itt out. 

9, 1, l^. — muddy river, Thomas Gardiner for constable : 

10, 1, If. — Whereas divers inhabitants among us have formerly 
had grants of land for great lotts Ij'ing at mount wallasten & muddy 
river, whch sd lands have long since been laid outt unto them, ye 
sd lands lying in comon wth ye townes lands and bounding upon ye 
sd lands ; Itt is ordered j't all such persons (3'e townes occasions 



William Davis, Treasur and Recorder. 



now calling for ye improvement of their own waste land & being 
about to dispose of ye same) shall upon the third third da}' in ye 
second month next ensuing goe their bounds between theirs 
and ye townes lands wth those duputed by ye towne thereunto & 
yt upon ye penalt}' prefixed b}' law fol. 4. 

Itt is further ordered yt all such persons as can lay any just 
clayme to any lands or lotts in je foresd places granted to them 
by je towne, butt nott yett laid outt, they shall repayre to ye 
Select men betweene this and ye 26th of ye next month & make 
good their claj-me & title to ye same upon ye penalt}" of forfeitm-e 
of ye sd grants : 

30, 1, 1657.— Elder Colbron, Peter Olliver, Mr. Wm. Paddy 
Jacob Eliot are desired to attend [to ye perambulation of the 
coast lands and 3"e lotts laid out] at raudd}' river and likewise 
ye laying out of the High way to Watertown mill. 

6 of 2d. — Notice given both to Watertown and Cambridge that 
they might depute some to joyne with ours deputed to lay outt a 
high way from muddy river to watertown mill, and upon ye 21st 
of this 2nd month it was (by partys deputed by the sd towns) per- 
formed, the sd way is four rods in Breadth and directed by markt 
trees. 

25, 3, 57. — Ens. Hull & Wm. Davis are appointed to view ye 
cedar swmpes att muddy river & to report wt they judge them 
worth to bee rented for b}^ ye j-ear or otherwise as may be most 
to ye townes advantage. 

31, 3, 58. — Itt is ordered yt, wt, marshes about this neck cannott 
be fed and are capable of mowing shall be lett out for mowing by 
ye towne Treasurer, for the townes use. 

as also to improve the cedar Swamp att mudd}' river for wt 
grass may be cutt therein. 

29, 4, 58. — The Cedar swamp at Mudd}^ river is lett to Ralph 
Mason his heyers & assignes for fifty yeares next ensuing after 
the first of March next, in consideration whereof hee shall pay 



36 

j-earl}' every first of march, fourty shillings in wheat and pease 
proportionabl}^ & hee is to pay fourty shillings for this sumer and 
a fayre livery cupboard for ye towne house. 

28, 12, 1658. — Att a meeting of Ens. Jno. Hull, Jos scottow, 
Mr. Jacob Sheafe, Tho Lake & Wm. Davis 

"Whereas a high ^\ixy was laid outt att mudd}^ river, as b}' a 
record dated June 8 1658 through the land of J)io. White att 
muddy river & so by Tho. Gardners to ye farme of Isaac Sted- 
man, itt is herel\y declared j-t, ye said way, so laid out shall be 
reputed ye towues highway & the other way in je law is hereby 
relinquished. And itt shall bee lawfuU for ye said Jno White 
either to fence out 3'e sd high way or else to sett up gates such as 
may befe easy for opening to travellers & if any leave ye sd gates 
open att an;,' time the}" shall pay five shillings for every defect be- 
ing legall}^ convicted thereof. 

14, 1, f|. — Winchester, constable for mudd}' river. 

31, 1, 59.— Att a meeting of Mr. Thos. Broughton Mr. Tho. 
Lake, Mr. Hezekiah Usher, Ens. Jno. Hull & Wm. Davis. 

Upon information yt Jno. White at muddy river hath stopt up 
the highway ^-t was laid out through his fields wth a stone wall, 
Itt is ordered yt ye Treasurer shall issue forth a warrant for 'a fine 
of twent}' shillings for his olience, to bee levied by distress, b}' ^-e 
constable, and so from da}' to day, tvi-enty shillings till ye sd 
White open the way again. 

2d 3d J-| !§-. — Whereas the constables of muddy river and Eum- 
ney marsh have not cleared their accotts wth ye towne Treasurer 
att this day, there is hereby granted them on-e month more to ef- 
fect the same wch if longer deferred they are to serve in ye place 
of constables another year, but in case they issue all accotts wth 
in a month, then to bee discharged and to succeede them in their 
places Ben childs for muddy river Jno. Groverfor Eumney marsh.* 



*origin of the office of moderator. 

13: 4: 59.— It is ordered yt there be a Modeiator chosen annually to regulate piiblick 
towne meetings and for this present year, W^illiam Davis is chosen. 



37 



31, 10, GO. — Upon consideration of ye greatt expenses Ralph 
Mason & his associates have been att alreacl}^ and are like further 
to bee att in subduing the Cedar swamp att muddy river, Itt is 
agreed ^t ten years shall bee added to their lease upon ye same 
rent mentioned therein. 

25, 12, 60. — Whereas a high waj- was laid outt through je land 
of John White at muddy river whereby he pretends much damage, 
Itt is therefore ordered 3-t his proportion of ordinary rates to 
towne and countr}- for ye four next years shall be allowed him b}' 
the towne which allowance is accepted by ye sd White for full sat- 
isfaction. 

March 11, xlli-- — Robert Harris (constable) at muddy river, 
Jno. White Surveyor of high wayes. Muddy river, 

25, 1, 1G61. — Sargeaut Tho : Clarke, Theodore Atkinson Henry 
Stevens, Ed. Devotion, John odlin & Ed. Cowell are chosen for 
preambulation betweene mudd}' river & Cambridg & between 
muddy river & Roxbur}'. 

It is ordered yt ye constable of muddy River seize ye rayles & 
payles left on ye comon b}' Lieut. Remington & to dispose of them 
to ye Townes Treasnrers order — 

Peter OlUver & Peter Aspinwall are deputed to joyne wth Cam- 
bridge men to lay outt a high way from muddy river to Cam- 
bridge. 

It is ordered yt ye surveyors of }■ e high waves att muddy river 
shall forthwth repa^-re ye high wa}- to water-towne mill where itt 
is defective. 

8, 2, 61. — Att a General Townes-meeting upon publick notice 
from house to house. 

upon ye petition of Lieut. Robt. Turner and Peter Olliver re- 
specting ye Cedar Swamp at muddj- River v\'ch was lett to them by 
Lease ; y t ye sd Lease ma}- bee for ever, Itt is ordered ye propriety 
of ye sd swamp shall belong to ye sd ptyes for ever upon ye 
paymt of ye Rent mentioned in ye former lease. 



38 

10 : 1 : 1661-2. — John Stedman Senr. constable, muddy river. 
Peter Aspinwall, surveyor of liigh ways. 

26, 3, 62. — Allex. Beck is ordered to see to ye execution of 3'e 
order about swine at Muddy river. 

26, 11, 62.— Capt. Thomas Savage, Capt. Wm. Davis Edward 
Eamsford are appointed to meet att John White's house at Mudd}^ 
E3'ver on the sixteenth day of February next, who have power to 
treat and conclude according to law with such persons whom the 
town of Cambridge shall thereto send about the common highway 
betwixt Boston and Cambridg & make return of the same. 

William Parker ; John Pearepoint Thomas Weld are made choice 
of b^' the Selectmen of Boston to meett att the same place and 
time to joyne with the persons above mentioned for the conclud- 
ing and determining the high wayes between Boston & Cambridge. 

16, 12 : 62. — According to Town order Capt. Thomas Savage 
Capt. William Davis and Mr. Edward Ramsford met at John 
White's house, with Mr. Stedman, Mr. Tho. Thomas Fox and 
Edward Sheppard owning themselves a coinmittee sent by the 
town of Cambridge, who, declaring all form.er propositions or con- 
clusions about the way in question null. After view of the several 
wajs by them selves and allso theare ffrends of Roxbury and de- 
bate of the matter the committees for the towns of Boston and 
Cambridge not agreeing the committee for the towne of Boston ac- 
cording to law referred its determination to William Parks, John 
Pearpoint, Thomas Weld, The}' being chosen for the next town 
of Roxbury. 

6, 12, 62. — we William Parke, Peirpoint and Thomas Weld, 
chosen to determine the highway, leading from Cambridge through 
Boston bounds, the committee betv/een the two towns not agreeing 
doe conclude that the said wa}' shall goe without the common 
feild by Goodman Devotions and Goodmnn Stevens houses and soe 
to Cambridge bounds as the ould wa^' now runneth, whereunto the 
committee of Boston concurred having left the same unto us in 



39 

wittnes whereof the committee subscribed their hands as apeares 
by the originall. 

2? 1, fi- — Edvv. Devotion constable for Muddy Ryver, John 
Moore Surveyor of highwaj's.* 

30 : 1 : 63. — Alexander Beck is authorized to put in execution 
the order [concerning swine] at Muddy R3'vur. 

March 14, 1663-4. — John Moore, constable for Muddy River 
Aspinwall, surveyor of highways. 

28, 1, 64.— Mr. Tho. Brattle, Lieut. Turner, Arthur Masson, 
Edward Devotion, John White are chosen for perambulation 
betjween Muddy Ryver and Cambridge and between Mudd}^ River 
and Roxbury. 

March 13, If. — Nathaniel Stedman, constable for Muddy 
R^'ver, Thomas Gardner, surveyor. 

29, 11, 65. — Jacob Eliot, for and in consideration of part of his 
land laid out for the high Ava}' to Cambridge and looking after the 
bounds of the comoJi lands att Muddy River hath liberty to make 
use of sd common att the great pond for the space sevven yeares. 

3Iarch 12, ||. — Nathan, Stedman, constable for Muddy Rj-ver, 
Thomas Gardner, surveyor. 

March 11, If.— John White Seur. Constable for Muddy R3^ver, 
Edward Kibby, surveyor of highway's. 

4, 1, 67.— Mr. John Hull, Jacob Eliott, Theophilus Freieye, 
Thomas Gardner, Petter Aspinwall are chosen perambulators for 
the bounds between Muddy River and Roxbury ; and Cam- 
bridge. 

29, 5, 67. — Whereas John White of Muddy Ryver hath preferred 
a complaint against James Pemberton for setting up a gate in the 
high way b}^ the bridge between the said John White and Pem- 
berton. We judge the said complaint groundless for as much as 



*March 14. 1GG3.— For the more deliberate and orderly carrying on the affairs of the 
town, it is ordered that henceforth there shall be no alteration made in the way of 
elections, or other matters of moment and public concourmcnt that hath not been duly 
considered of and proposed at a publick town meeting orderly called before the meet- 
ing where the final determination shall be putt to vote. 



40 

that for many years before and some time sense John White's 
dwelling there a gate was erected and allowed in or near that same 
place and we see no cause to accept against it. 

IG 3Iarch, 166|-. — Peter Aspinwall, constable Mudd}^ Rieur. 
James Pemmerton, surveyor of high ways. 

[Recorder — John Jolliffe.] 

30, 1, 1G68. — At a meeting of Peter Oliver, John Richards Ed- 
ward Raynsford, Hezekiah Usher & John JoyliftC; for perambula- 
tion for Muddy River Cambridge & Roxberry, are chosen Mr. 
John Hull, Mr. Jacob Eliot & Mr. Edward Conell. John White 
Senr. and Ralph Masen are appointed to be surveyors for the 
ffence of ye comon ffeild at Muddy River. 

Bonnds of Mudrhj River and Gamhridgc* — An acct, of the 
Bounds line betweene Cambridge and Bostone at Muddy river, 
vizt. the south west line of it was agreed unto by Messengers 
from both townes and an Do 1658, and hath been since continued 
and was now also viewed and aproved by the subscribers, runing 
along from the sea b}' a Brooke called Smelt Brooke. 

The first tree w^e found in ye said Smelt Brooke is marked with 
B. for Bostone and C. for Cambridge and is 1° a white Swamp 
wood by some called a plumb tree. 

2 beyond the meadow a little walnut 

3 a Red oake marked B, C. 

4 a Red oake beyond the next yd of meadow. 

5 a white oake B. C. 

6 a wal nu.tt 

7 a white oake B. C. 

8 a Red oake a greate one — 

9 a white oake by a heape of Stones then a little water course. 



*Marr.h 1.5, lORS-0.— Capt. Thomas Srvvage, Capt. Thomas Clnvke, Edward Hntchinson 
Mr. Anthony Stoddar, Mr. Jeremiah Houchings, Mr. John Weswall wei-e chosen a 
committee to dr;uv instructions for the Selectmen to attend the yeare ensueiuge; and 
oi-dered that in the nieane time, the former shall remaine in force and be theire direc- 
tion. 



41 



10 a little walnutt 

11 a walnutt 

12 a red oake upon a rocke 

13 a White oake upon a rocke 

14 a white oake 

15 a white oake neere the way to wat : towne 

16 a heap of stones — from the rockj'hill & forwards above halfe 

a mile we were not very cleare of ye line & left it as we 
found it 

17 a dead walnutt 

18 a white oake 

19 a walnut neare a running water 

20 a swamp tree in the runn 

21 a greate white oake 

22 a great white oake B. C. 

23 Lt. Turnrs. corner post 

24 a white oake wth B. C. cut is twice 

25 cutt downe, alsoe anothr B. C. then a rivulet. 

26 a red oake 

27 a walnutt 

28 a red oake 

29 a chest nutt by ye ash swamp 

30 beyond the ash swamp severall great trees then a running 

water. 

31 some small walnutts then another running water 

32 an ash 

33 a black oake then a swampe 

34 alonge the swamp some ash trees 

35 a maple — 36 a walnutt 

37 beyond Mr. Hamonds a white oake B. C. 

38 a swamp & severall marked trees therein 

39 a greate white oake 40 a red oake 
41 a Cedar Swampe 42 a red oake 

6 



42 



43 a red oake B. C. 44 a walnutt. 

45 a red oake 46 a red oake 

47 a little swampe 48 a wte oake 

49 a greate white oake 

50 a swampe & a little meadowe 

51a great Cliestnutt & wte oake togeather 
52 a maple 53 a swampe 

54 a wte & blacke oake neare togeathr 

55 a red oake wtli B. C. 

56 a meadow & a white oake 

57 a greate white oake 

58 a little Avalnutt 59 a walnutt 

60 a blk oake (6) swampe &, a meadowe 
61a blk oake 

62 a heape of stones by ye meadowe in wch meadowe in the 

Corn. Stake 

The head line wch is neare a north west and a south east 

line we now found as sett. 

63 a small whte oake 64 a small blk oake 

65 a small walnutt 

66 a walnutt & heape of Stones 

67 a small walnutt 

68 a small walnutt and heape of stones 

69 a black oake 

70 a maple a small meadow & a swampe 

71 a blk oake 72 a blk oake 

73 an Elme & a stony swampe 

74 a walnutt 75 a blk oake 

76 a heape of Stones 77 a greate wte oake B. C. 

78 a greate cedar Swampe 

79 a small white oake 80 a whe oake 

81 a greate rock upon a rocke noe bound mark cut about the 
line 



43 



82 a wte oake 83 a wte oake 

84 a walnutt 85 a blk oake dead at top 

86 a wte oake 87 a wte oake 

88 a white oake 88 a blk oake 

90 a small blk oake 'Jl a grejit walnutt 

92 a walnutt 

93 a maple swampe a birch tree with a dry top 

94 a birch with B. C. R. 

The marked trees in the first line some of us took formerly in 
the 3-ear 1658 and we found the same now onely some few trees are 
cut down w^ch makes us to think it will be good ye next perambu- 
lation to appoint more persons from each towne yt they ma}' laj'e 
more heapes of stones wch the law alsoe enjoyneth. 

Roxberr}' men could not attend it we had the compa. of our hon'd 
Major Genl. Leveret to whome ourselves & the towne owe thank- 
full acknowledgement. We subscribe ourselves your servts. 

john hull 
jacob eliot 
p:dward conell 

30, 10, 1668.— At a meeting of all the Select men of this 
Towne, this day a rate of seaven hundred and seventie pounds 
thirteen shillings for ye couutrie and towne occasions was de- 
livered to the towne constables, and a rate for Rumnev Marsh of 
thirtie foure pounds and for Muddy river twentie pounds five shil- 
lings delivered to the constables of each place signed by the select 
men. 

22, 12, '68-9.— Granted to James Clarke of Muddy River all the 
wood on an acre of Land or there about, which butts upon the 
Land of John Winchestr on the east the lands of Hugh Clarke 
south west Joseph Buckmastr north and Griffin Craft on ye west. 

March 15, 166| 

James Pemberton, Constable, Muddy river, Edward Kibby 
survevor. 



J 



44 

Upon a publique meetiuge of the Intiabitants upon lawful warn- 
inge from house to house were chosen for the yeaxe ensuing as 
followeth. 

Constable. — James Pemberton, for Muddy river 

Surveyer. — Edward Kibby for Muddy river 

Ordered that the constable of Muddy river and Rumney marsh* 
shall be chosen by lifting up of hands and yt the next yeare before 
the da}' of publique election, the select men apoint the Inhabitants 
of Muddy river and Rumney Marsh to meete together & nominate 
constables & other officers proper for each place and the present 
constables bringe in their names to the next publique meeting on 
ye day of election there to be put to vote. 

9, 10, 1669. — This day a rate for the coUecLinge of seaven 
hundred tweutie seaven pounds three shillings for the countrie, 
county and towne occasions was deliver to the foure constables of 
Bostone, the constable of Rumney Marsh & Muddy River. 

28, 12, 1669. — At a meeting of John Joyliffe Capt. James 
Olliver, Mr. John Richards, Mr. Hezekiah Usher, Capt. Tho. 
Lake, Mr. Edward Raynesford Capt. Peter Olliver — This order is 
given, 

to Richard Taylr & the constables of Rumney Marsh & Muddy 
river to warne their ffreemen to meete upon ye 7th 1° next for 
Nomination of Magestrates, Election of Countie Treasurer & 
deputies of ye generall Court — & to warne the Inhabitants to 
.meete the 14th of the same month for election of Selectmen, Con- 
stables &c. 

" Left to the consideration of the towne against ye next j-eare 
whether they will have six constables in Bostone." 

28, 12, 1669.— Whereas upon the first day of May last the 
Selectmen went to Muddy river upon, the request of Goodman 
Harris and others of his neighbors to view the way through Mr. 



♦Rumney Marsh — Chelsea. 

Note — "given libertie to Mrs. Conygmie and Returne Molina to burn charcole on 
the hearth till they can provide better for themselves." 



45 

Boweiis ground leaclinge to the comon lands, It is ordered that 
there be free egresse and regresse through the said land by gates 
to be opened for driveing of carts & cattle thereby. 

March lUh IGG^^g-. — At a public meetinge of the Inhabitants of 
Bostone upon lawfull warninge from house to house were chosen 
for the yeare ensuinge — 

Constable. — for Muddy River, Thomas Gardu^jer. 

Surveyor, — John Winchester Senr. 

26, 10, 1670.— Let to Edward Miles of Muddy river a parcel of 
land to build a house on at Roxberry gate — from the highway 
next the sd gate backe to the fence of Mr. Alcockes marsh, from 
the gate along the highway towards Boston twenty rod & from 
thence back to the said fence of Mr. Alcockes being about seven 
rods to enjo}' the same, during his life, at his death to return to 
the town, with all the buildings and fenceing on it. Edward Miles 
hath liberty granted him to cut timber upon the townes waste 
grounds at Muddy river for buildinge and fencinge on the towne 
lands at Roxberry gate. 

It is ordered that noe person or persons whatsoever fell any tree 
or trees upon any of the comon ground belonginge to this towne 
at Braintra}', Muddy river or elsewhere without the consent of the 
Selectmen upon the penaltie of five shillings for every tree soe 
feld, one halfe thereof to be paid to the Informr. the other half to 
the treasurer of the towne.* 

16, 11, 167^. — This day a rate of ffour hundreds ninety three 
pounds twelve shillings for the countrie and Townes occasions was 
committed to the constables of Boston, and a rate of fourteene 
pounds twelve to the constable of Muddy river. 

13, 1, 167^.— were chosen for the year ensueinge 

Constable — fFor Muddy River, Edward Devotion. 

Surveyor. — for Mudd}' River John White. 



Note— Ordered tlifit the paving of the streets be left to the cousideratioa of the town 
against the next yeare. 
*The first instance I find of giving a portion of the fine to the informer. 



46 

27, 1, 1671.— Mr. John Hull, Deacon Jacob Eliott, Mr. Thomas 
Brattle and John White are appointed perabulators for Mudd}^ 
river Betweene Bostone, Roxbery and Cambridge. 

31, 5th 1671. — Laid out a high wa^- the 30th of June last at 
Muddy River which was two rods broad from Thomas Bo^'elstones 
alonge bj' Moses Crafts to Clement Corbins and from thence to 
the comon the same breadth, one halfe to be allowed by Corbiu 
the other haafe b}' Nathaniell Wilsen. 

2ndly A way to runn from the said high way through Joseph 
Whites and soe two Moses Crafts & alonge through John Asors 
land and to take of Thomas Boylstones stone wall to a marked 
tree & soe toe run without the resk of the wall through all the 
lotts two Rods in breadth as marked out to the end of the fence 
till it comes to Cambridge line. 

3dly a wa}' from the comon Road turninge in at Joseph Whites 
ground and to range with the fence of Moses Crafts in the field 
and soe to run nearest on a straight line as marked out till it come 
to Mr. Hulls fence and soe turn to the right hand one rod with- 
in the fence and as much wth out till it comes to a stake marked 
R : T. then turns to the left and runs straight to Cambridge 
line, the breadth of all the way is to be two rodd and more to be 
allowed where necessary. 

7th 6th 1671.— It is ordered that Mr. Edward Rainsford, Capt. 
Thomas Savage & Capt. Edward Huchinson are to be joyned with 
the Selectmen as a committee to hear and consider who are the 
proprieters of the comons about the towne, or the wast lands at 
Braintray & Muddy river — & that if any person lay anj' claime 
thereto the}'^ make tliiere right appeare to the said Coraittee at 
or before the first daj^ of December next, other wise they lose their 
title thereto. 

7lh 10th 1671. — This day a rate was committed to the constables 
of Bostone for the collectinge of six hundred and ffortie pounds for 



47 

the countries and townes occasions — to the constable of Muddy 
river for twentie one pounds five shillings. 

[Signed by the Selectmen.] 

11, 1, 1674.— were made choyce of for the 3'eare ensueing, 

Constable for Muddy River Henerj- Steephens 

Surveyor — John AYhite Senr. 

6th Sd 1672. — The question being put, who are the proprietors 
of the waste lands of Braintrie, Rumney Marsh or Muddie river, 
according to order of towne 4th 1st 16|J- in the old booke of 
Records fol. 59, It was resolved upon the question that all the 
Inhabitants that were in the towne the 4th of the od mo. 1642 
their lieires and successors have the true right and are the sole 
proprietors of such lands according to ye said towne ordr. 

28th 4th 1672. — -Whereas some differences have been amonge 
the proprietors of the coraon field at Muddj' river referring to a 
high way from the ffleld gate to Charles river : 

It is ordered that the said high way shall lie from ye said gate 
as now it is till it come I0 the ditch & fence cast up before Capt. 
Hulls & the widdow Minotts land and the land of juball Seaver 
& thence to goe on within the sd ffence & ditch next the uplands 
and soe forward till it comes to Charles River. The sd way to be 
made passable at the charge of John White, Thomas Gardner and 
Compa. who Butt upon the said ffence upon the marsh side — and 
that the whole wa}^ be two rodds in breadth throughout — and 
whereas there was land allowed for a landinge place for wood at 
rivers side in the land now possest by John Sharpe, 

It is ordered that the said Sharpe allow the iise of the said land 
for ye ends aforesaid at ye place comonlie called Mr Cottons 
landing place. 

10th March 167f . — Muddy River, constable John Winchester 
Senr. 

Surveyor for Muddy River, John Sharpe. 

Order about Muddy River & Rumney Marsh. — That they have 



48 

libertie before ye day of Election annually for the time to come to 
meete together & make cho3'ce of officers fit for there severall pre- 
cincts & returne theire names to the publique towne meeting for 
election according to an order 15 March 16|f . 

dlst March, 1673. — Mr. Jacob Eliote, Theophilus Fraylie, John 
White Senr. of Muddy River, Mr. John Turner & Mr. John 
Usher are apoj'uted perambulators for Muddie river & to see the 
line run betweene Roxsbury & Cambridge & to apoynt them the 
time & place of Meeting : 

26th January 167f. — Libertie is granted to John Ingolsbey, who 
married the late widdow Griffin to make use of old fallen wood 
upon the comon waste land at Muddy river for the use of the 
tenent that lives in her house for firewood during the pleasure of 
ye towne 

March 16th 16ff. — Constable for Muddy River, James Pem- 
berton. 

Surveyor. Thomas Bolstone. 

May ye 2d. — Ordered, the constable of Muddy River to 
erect a new pound within theire precincts for wch he may cutt 
timber on ye comon grounds belonginge thereto & provide work- 
men doe it, whome the treasurer of the towne is to satisfie out of 
the rates & did to Alexender Becke a warrant to ye constable for 
ye end aforesaid. 

31 August 1674. — It is ordered that there be a high way layd 
out at Muddy river from ye waj' to Cambridge through the land 
of John Parker and soe through Henery Steevens his land to John 
White Senr. his Marsh or Meadowe to runn from ye land of sd 
parkers near the sayd stevens his rayles betweene his other lands 
and soe runninge about ye side of the hill to the way formerlie 
into ye sd meadowe of John Whites 

8^/i of Dec. — A rate was comted to je constables of Bostone 
Muddy River & Rumney marsh for the collecting of six hundred 
& ninety one pounds two shillings for a single rate to the countrie 
and other occasions of the towne. 



49 

March 15th 167f . — Constable, for Muddy river, Eobert 
Harris 

Surve^'or John White Juur. 

April 7, 1675. — John Sharpe & John Parker of Muddy river 
were injoyned to order & oversee the makinge of ye fence of the 
comon ffield there, to choose out of the proprietors meete persons 
to attend the worke from time to time for ^-e yeare ensuinge & to 
leavy by ye Constable (by virtue of a wart, given them to the 
constable) 3s. 4d for ever}^ rod upon all or any person or persons 
that shall refuse or be remisse in doeinge their respective parts. 

Nov. 15, 1675. — This day a rate was committed bj^ the Select- 
men to 3'e constables of Bostone for the coUectinge of 2641£ lis. 
for 3-e occasion of ye countrie for ye Indian warr. ordered by je 
two warrants from ye countrie treasurer & payable one halfe ye 
last of this instant November & ye other halfe the last of march 
next, & Rumney marsh & Muddy river 184£ 17s. 

Nov. 29. — A rate was comted to the constable of Muddy river 
for the collectinge of 70 lbs. 

March 13 167-|. — Constable for Muddy River, John White 
Junr. 

Surve^'or, Joseph White. 

March 26 1676.— Deaon Jacob Eliott, Theophilus Frairy, Mr. 
John White Senr. Mr. John Usher and John Turner are apoj'nted 
perambulators to see ye line runn betweene Bostone Bounds & 
Roxbur}', & Bostone and Cambridge, & to apoynt them the time 
& place of meetinge. 

A2yril 24, 1676. — Ordered that warrants be granted vizt to the 
severali constables of this towne to give notice to the severall 
p'sons named hereafter yt by virtue of a lawe or ordr. of the 
Generall Court of ye 13th of Octobr 1674 for preventinge of ex- 
cessive drinkiuge & disorder in private houses &c. That they 
and ever}' of them are chosen by the selectmen of this towne, and 
allowed &; approved of by the Honble Couucill of Magistrates to 



50 

inspect that pt of the towne within theire precincts accordinge as 
the sd lawe directs for preventinge of such disorder, in private & 
unlicenced house of entertainment, vidz — 

For Muddie E-iver, Peter Aspinwall, Edward Devotion, John 
White Senr. 

June 1676. — Comited to ye constables of Bostone, Kumney 
marsh & Muddy River a rate to collect for so rates to ye country 
«fe Towne 3807: 7. 

July 30. — Peter Aspinwall & John Parker are empowered to 
over see the fFences at Muddy river & to apo3'nt others to attend 
the same & have a warrant directed to ye constable to dis traine 
on ye estate of those that refuse to contribute towards theire 
charge. 

March 5, 167f. — Constable at Muddie river, Thomas Stedman. 

Surveyors, Joseph White, John Winchester Jr. 

26 March. — John Parker & Symon Gates are apoynted to over 
Bse and regulate the makinge of the ffences in the comon field at 
Muddy river among the proprietors thereof. 

4 A])ril 1677. — At a meeting of all the Select men at Robt. 
Harris house Muddy river, 

Whereas the Select men of the towne upon the first day of May 
1669 did give libertiefor gates to l)e set upon a highwa^-at Muddy 
river, leadinge from Robert Harris his house through the land of 
Mr. Henery Bowen towards the comon wch gates have since 
proved an injury & damage to the sd Harris & his neighbrs in 
driveinge theire cattle to k, from the comon, upon whose com- 
plaint of the damage & injur}'' they have sustained \)y the said 
gates, Wee, the present selectmen mett as above at their request 
do agree & ordr. That the two gates now standing at the 
entrance into the said Bowens land neere his house, ma}' be con- 
tinued as formerlie, according to the former order, for two j-ears 
next ensuinge the date hereof & no longer, but then to be laj'd 
open as a comon highway, noe gates barrs or other interuption or 
Molestation. 



51 

And Avliereas it apears yt the said highwa}- was formerly agreed 
on by the sd Bowen, Capt. William Tynge, & Mr. Richard Parker 
(all deceased) & others concerned to be a comon high way to 
Muddy river comon but not layed out nor recorded 

It is now agreed on & ordered That the same High way that 
have been formerlie made use of be continued & as now marked 
out on three trees ; to be two rod in breadth throughout from ye 
sd Harris his house through the land of sd. Mr. Bowen, Henery 
Davis & Robt Harris & thence to Mudd}- River commons.* 

1677 JVov. 26. — This day a warrant from the Select men ffor 
Mudd}' river for six rates In' 3'e former warrant sixtie seven 
pounds ffourteene shill, & for these three rates, twentie six pounds. 

28 January. — At a meeting [of the Selectmen] 

Whereas there was an order for the laying of out of a highwa}' 
through Mr. Bowens ffarm at Muddy river, the 4th day of Ajirill 
last as apears in folio 104 of this book, And Robt. Harris John 
Harris & Joseph Davis have now declared that the sd highway is 
now layd out & made good according to the said Ordr, it is now 
Ordd. that the said waj- be continued & kept open for a high way 
& that the sd. Harris & compa. be alloAved thirtie shillings out of 
their towne rate towards their labor in making the high way wch 
was formerly promised. 

Granted to Thomas Pecke, Senr. Ten loade of crooked timber 
in Muddy river comon land, such as Deacon Eliot shall aprove of 
& upon such termes as they can agree for, he beinge willinge to 
give for it as he buyes the like of Deacon Eliot or any other man. 

March 10 167|.— Constable for Muddy River, Symon Gates 

Survej-ers, John Winchester, Joseph White. 

25 March. — Peter Aspinwall & John Parker are apoynted to 
oversee & regulate the ffences about the comon ffield at Muddy 
River. 

25 Nov. 1678. — Whereas there is complaint to the selectmen 
of Bostone of some obstructions in the high wa3-es which lie 



*Tlie first time commons is spelt with two ms. 



52 

through the Marshes of Muddy RiA^er by reasen of some Ifences 
& ditches yt are made by serj. Thomas Gardner & Mr. John 
White Senr. The selectmen vieueing the sd wayes & consider- 
inge the premises, Doe order that the wayes through the sd. 
Marshes doe remaiue as formerlie they have beene layd out, or 
improved or made use of for cartinge by the proprietrs of ye sd 
Marshes & Thatt all obstructions be removed that hinders the 
passage of any proprieter or others passinge, cartinge or convey- 
inge in the sd high wayes and that no person cany off any hay or 
other thinge by cart or sled from sd Marsh, except it be done ye 
monethes of December, January or ffebruary whereby to damage 
any proprieters or other person without leave first obtained from 
ye proprietr, upon ye peualtie of twentie shilling, for am^ or every 
such offence & to pa3'e or satisfye all persons for damages they 
shall sustain thereby. 

"Whereas the towne of Bostone or proprietrs of ye comon lands 
belonginge to it, have one acre and about a quarter of Land by 
computation belonginge to them within the fence of Uriah Clarke 
at Muddy river neere his house, wch land jo^mes unto je land of 
John Winchester And whereas the highway leads through the 
land of orphant children of Joseph Buckmaster, It is agreed & 
concluded bj^ the Selectmen of Bostone that those concerned for 
ye sd orphants shall take in the present highwa}- yt leads 
through thaire land to be & remaiue to the sd orphants & 
theire heires for ever, & that the high way shall now be laj-d 
out b}'' the fence of ye sd John Winchester through ye sd land be- 
longinge to ye foresaid proprietors or towne of Bostone, to be foure 
rod and halfe broade & from thence through the land of Uriah 
Clarke unto the present highway- wch said highwa}' is to be made 
good & sufficient by sd Uriah Clarke & sd Clarke is to bringe 
to Bostone & deliver to Capt. Thomas Brattle or his ordr, two 
load of good wood. Also ye sd Uriah Clarke is to have the 
remandr of sd Acre & qr. of land exceptinge the new way layd 



53 

out (wch is to reraaine 3'e townes use) for wch he is to give to ye 
towne or sd proprietrs, one acre of land in some convenient place 
joyninge to the comon land at Muddy river, provided the proprie- 
tors consent hereto, otherwise the remaneder of the sd Acre & 
qr. of land wth in said ffence & 3'e sd- highway is to be left 
open & to remaine to }'e proprietrs & then the sd Uriah Clarke 
to be allowed for his two load of wood out of his rates. 

10 Dec. — [A rate was committed to the constables in Bos- 
tone] alsoe to the constable of Muddj' river for the collectinge of 
371b: 3s: 6d for three rates for the countrie & 12 : 7: 10: for 
one rate for the towne. 

March 10 167f.— Constable for Muddy River, Thomas Boyls- 
tone, 

Survej'ors, Joseph White, John Winchester Junr. 

Perambulators for Muddy River with Roxbur}' & Cambridge, 
Deacon Jacob Eliot, John White Jr. Thomas Gardner Junr, Mr. 
John Usher, Mr. Benjamin Davis, Mr. Samuel Se3-wall, who u]jon 
the ffifteenth da3' of April next are to meete with those sent from 
Cambridge at S3'mon Gates his house at nine of the clocke in ya 
forenoon, and with those of Roxberrie at two of the clocke in 3'e 
afternoone at 3'e boundes corner where Bostone, Roxbur3^ & Cam- 
bridge meete. 

15 Dec. 1679. — To the constable of Mudd3' River, pa3^able 
alsoe to the towne Treasurer 3'e severall rates as above, ffor 4 sin- 
gle countrie rates, or 4 for 3'e towne 4- pr c abated, to pa3' money 
72 : 17 : 4, ffor one single countrie rate to be pd in 

graine without abatem. 9:1: 5, 

ffor ^ rate to be pd in mone3' 4 : 10 : 8. 

8 March 16§|. — Muddy River constable, John Clarke. 

Mudd3- River Surve3'ors, Edward Kibb3', Hener3' Segar. kJ 

Tythingmen at Mudd3' River, Thomas Gardner Senr. John 
Winchester, James Pemberton. 

Dec. 3 1680.— Deliverd to the constable of Muddy River to 



54 

collect as above, the sum of thirtie nine pounds two shillings — & 
for countrie rate 4 : 16 ; 10. 

Alsoe to the constable of Muddy River for the collectinge of 
381bs : 6s : 8d : for the use of the towne to lend y town Treasurer. 

14 March 16|^.— Constable for Muddy River, Joseph White. 

Surveyors for Muddy River, John Parker & Oriall Clarke. 

Tythingmen, Edward Chamberlain, Edward Devotion. 

1681 Dec. 6. — The rates delivered to the constables for collec- 
tion, in Bostone 179 : 8 : 10, in money & in countrie pa}' — 218 : 
15 : 9. Muddy River, 12 : 19 : 9 in money, and 12: 19 : 9 in coun- 
trie pay. 

March 13, 16|^. — Constable for Muddy River, Seargt. An- 
drew Gardner. 

Surveyers, Edward Kibby, Thomas Stedman. 

Upon ye motion of yo, Inhabitants of Cambridge Village, to 
grant them a highway through pie of Muddy River bounds to 
passe to the countrie road, from thence, for their accommodation : 
It was referred to the Selectmen & some of Muddy River, whom 
the Selectmen shall choose to joyne with them to be a committee 
to view & determine what may be thought most requisite for the 
Townes complyance therein : 

1682 March 27th. — At a meeting of Capt. Thomas Brattle, Lt. 
Daniell Turill, Deacon Henery Allen, Lt. Theo. ffrary, John J03'- 
liffe, Capt Elisha Huchinson & Mr. Nathaniel Greenwood — 

Perambulators were chosen to run the lines of ye bounds be- 
tweene Bostone Sl Cambridge & Bostone & Roxbury vizt : 
Deacon Jacob Eliot, Mr. Benjamin Davis, Mr. Asaph Eliott, Mr. 
John Ayres, & John Bennet, John White Junr. & Thomas 
Gardner Junr. of Mudd}'^ river, who, upon tuesday the 18th of 
Aprill next are to meete with Cambridge men, at nine of ye clock 
in the morning at Symon Gates his house. And ye same day at 
two of 3'e clock in afternoone are to meete with Roxbury men for 
ye sd service at the bound corner where Bostone, Cambridge & 
Roxbury bounds meete. 



55 

[1000£ to be raised for an Alms & worke House. Muddy river 
is assed 37£ 15s.] 

Dec. 25 1682. — By warrant directed to Selectmen and consta- 
bles it was ordred to collect of Muddy river in money 6£. 7 rate 
pay 12£. 9s. 

More committed to ye constable of Muddy River a town rate 
amounting to £18. 19s. 

March 12 16||. — Constable for Muddy River, John Winchester 
Junr. 

Surveyers, Thomas Gardner Senr. & Edward Kibby. 

May 14. — A rate was made by all the Selectmen to be com- 
mitted to ye constables belonginge to this towne to collect the sum 
of 1991b. 18s. 2d. in money, by virtue of a warrant received from 
the countrie Treasurer for ye occasions of ye countrie payable to 
James Russell Esq. Treasurer by the constables within the Neck 
of Boston 179£ 6s. 3d. by the Constable of Rumney Marsh 111b. 
6s. 2d. & by the constable of Muddy river 9£ 5s. 9d. 

Also a rate to be collected for the townes occasions 6391b. lOs, 
to be pd, to ye, Treasr. of ye towne 

b}' ye constables 584£ 6s, 

by the constable of Rumney Marsh 29, 8, 

&, by ye constable of Muddy river 25, 16 

to be pd, in rate paj^ according to the last years valuation : If 
any pay money ^ parte ordered to be abated. 

Dec. 24, 1683.— The rate of Muddy River is, money 81b 15s, 
rate pay 5£ 17s. 

March 10 168 J.— Constable for Muddy River, Uriah Clarke 

Surveyers, Thomas Gardner Senr. Edward Kibby. 

June 30. — This day a rate was committed to the constable of 
Muddy River countr}'^ rate £2, 19s, 6d also for ye towns occasions 
24, 3. 

Dec. 8. — A rate was committed to the constables of Bostone 
Murr River & Rumney marsh to collect 2681b 8s for two countrie 
rates, one in mone}^ & one in countrie pay. 



56 

168|, March 9.— Constable of Muddie Eiver, Jabesh Buck- 
master. 

Sui'veyers for Muddy River, Thomas Gardner Senr. Robert 
Harris. 

April 3, 1685. — At a meeting of Capt. Daniell Turill, John Joy- 
liffe, Capt. Theo. Frar}-, Deacon Thomas Allen, Capt. Tymo. 
Prout, Lt. Edward Willis, Capt. Elisha Huchinson & Capt. John 
Fare weather & John Devotion, Andrew Gardner & Benja White 
of Muddy river, were chosen perambulators to goe ye bounds be- 
tweene Bostone & Cambridge & Bostone & Roxbury & to renew 
the marks thereof. To meete those sent from Cambridge at j-e 
house of Symond Gates, upon Wednesday the 15th instant at nine 
of the clock in ye morninge & those sent from Roxbury at the 
bound corner where Bostone, Cambridge & Roxbury meete upon 
the same day at two of ye clock in ye after noone. 

T^-thingmen chosen for Muddy River, Andrew Gardner & John 
Devotion. 

March 8 168f . — Muddy River Constable, Benjamin White. 

Surveyors, Andrew Gardner, Roger Addams. 

Wa}^ to Muddy River, upon the motion of John Harris, referred 
to a committee vizt. to Deacon Jacob Eliot, Deacon Frary, Tho. 
Gardner Senr. 

Muddy River, Motion for a schoole, referd to the selectmen to 
consider of & to make theire report of it to the Inhabitants at 
3'e next towne meetinge. 

March 29, 1686. — A Motion of the Inhabitants of Muddy river 
for a writinge school for theire children was read at a publique 
meetinge of the Inhabitants of this towne the 8th of March 168|-, 
and that theire town rates may be improved to that use & the 
select. apo3-nted to choose a place for the erectinge of a house : 

In answer to said Motion, It was voted that the selectmen 
take this matter into consideration and inquire into the reason 
thereof and represent it to the next General Towne Meeting what 
is necessar}^ to be done therein. 



57 

Tytliingraen for Mudd}^ River, Roger Addams Thomas Gardner 
Junr. 

January 31. — This da}' a rate was made by sd. Selectmen & 
committed to ye Constables of Bostone, Rumne}' Marsh & Muddy 
river, amountinge to ye sume of ffiftie five pounds eight shillings 
money to be collected b}- them & paid unto John Usher Esq. 
treasurer of the countrie or his order. 

Fih. 16. — By virtue of a warrant received from John Usher 
Esq. Treasurer of the Countrie dated the 10th January 16|f re- 
quiring the Selectmen of this towne to assess & levie »Lipon the 
Inhabitants thereof a single Countrie rate of one penny on the 
pound according to former usage & custome. This day a rate 
was Assested & made by jq said Selectmen accordinglie and after 
committed to ye constables of Bostone, Rumne}' Marsh & Muddy 
river, amounting to the sume of one hundred two pounds two 
shillings & eleven pence, countrie ^ix.j — to be collected by them 
and paid unto sd Treasurer, and if any pay mony they are to 
be abated one third pte. 
New England. 

By the President and Conncill. of his Majesties Territory and 
Dominion, aforesaid &ca. 

Wednesday Decembe. 8th 1686. 

Present, the Honble. JOSEPH DUDLEY, Esq. President.- 
WILLIAM STOUGHTON Esq. Deputie Prest. 

EDWARD RANDOLPH 1 

WAITE WINTHROP 
RICHARD WHARTON 
JOHN USHER 

BARTHOLOMEW GIDNEY & 
JONATHAN TYNG 

In answer to the petition of ye Inhabitants of Muddie River, 
prayinge to have libertie to erect a school &ca. upon the hearinge 



> Esqrs. 



58 

thereof, The President & Councill doe order, That hGiiceforth the 
said Hamlet of Miiddie River be free from Towne rates to 3"e 
Towne of Bostone, they maiutaininge theire owne high waj-es and 
poore and other publiqne charges ariseinge amongst tliemselves, 
And that within one 3"eare next comeinge they raise a school-house 
in such place as the two next Justices of the Countrie (upon a 
publique hearinge of the Inhabitants of the said Hamlet) shall 
determine as also mainetaine an able readinge and writinge 
Master there, from and after that day, and that the Inhabitants 
annuallie meete to choose three men to manage theire affaires 

EDWAED RANDOLPH, Seer. 
A true coppie as attests 

BENJAMINE SULLIVANT 

late Gierke of 3'e Councill. 

168f March 14. — Constable for Mudd}' river, Thomas Gardner 
Junr. 

1689 June 24. — Constable for Muddy River — Roger Addams, 

Surveyors, James Parker, Joseph Buckmaster, 

Dec. 30. — [The rates committed to the constables in Bostone 
amounted to 320£ 3s in money," G401b od in countr}' pa}- — 

Rumney Marsh 131b monej', 261b countrie paie 

Muddy River 131b 12s. money 27£. 4s. countrie paj-] 

March. 16 16|9.. — Constable of Mudd}' River Josiah Winchester 

Surveyers, Uriah Clarke, John Devotion 

Voted, that Muddy river Inliabitants are not discharged from 
Bostone to be a hamlet by themselves, but stand related to 
Bostone as they were before the yeare 1686. 

March 17. — Perambulators for Cambridge & Mudd}' River & 
Roxbury & Muddy River were chosen by the Selectmen of 
Boston Gapt. Jacob Eliot, Capt. Theophilus Frar}-, Mr. Joseph 
Eliot, John Devotion, Andrew Gardnr, Benj 'a White to run the 



Ambrose Davis, chosen a Constable, refusing to swear with his band on tlie Bible, 
as was required of him, James Halsey was chosen Constable in his stead. 



59 

lines of the bounds betweene Bostone & these Townes and to 
nisete those of Cambrid,o-e at the house of Symon Gates, upon the 
last Tuesday of Aprill next beinge ye 29th of said moneth. at 
nine of the clock in the fore noone & those sent from Roxbnry at 
the bound corner where Roxbury, Cambridge & Boston meete at 
two of the clock in the after noone. 

1690 Aug 6. — This day by warrant of Country Treasurer of 
24th Jidy 1690 for 2 J- single countrie rates to be paid in money' 
was committed to the 8 constables of Bostone, Kumney Marsh & 
Muddy river, chosen Tythingmen, Roger Addams & Thos. 
Gardner. 

OcL 27, 1690. — This day a rate made for the poore & other oc- 
casions of this Towne was committed to ye severall constables of 
Bostone, Rumney Marsh and Muddy river, by the selectmen 
amounting to the sums of Four Hundred & twelve pounds, four 
shillings two pence countrie pay, orderinge if any pay money in 
lieu thereof they shall be abated ^ pte of theire rates. 

16|4, 3Iarch 9th. — Constable for Muddle River George Bear- 
stowe. 

Surveyers, Jonathan Torrie, Samuel Aspinwall. 

June 20. — This day a rate was made by all the select men and 
com'ted to the severall constables to collect & pay the same to 
John Philli[)s Esq. Treasurer, b}- virtue of a warrant reed, from 
him dated the 9th of June 1691 for the Assessing of all rateable 
Inhabitants of this town their proportion to the sura of twentie 
foure thousand pounds, which rate amounted to, for Bostone, Rum 
ney Marsh and Mudd}- River the sum of three thousand thirtie 
seven pounds eighteene shillings to be pd, the sd. Treasr, or his 
assigns either in money, bills of publicke credit or in grain or pro- 
visions at Monej' price, one half to be paid by the first of Septem- 
ber next and the other halfe by the first da}' of May 1692. 

March 14, 16!)}. — Constable for Muddy River Joshua Gardner. 

Surveyers, Jonathan Torrey, Edward Devotion Joshua Child. 



60 

13 March 169|. — Constable for Muddy river, Daniel Harris 

Sui'veyers, Samuel Aspinwall, Joseph Davis. 

March 27, 1G133. — Perambulators to run the line of the bounds 
between Cambridge and Boston and Roxbury and Boston, were 
chosen Capt. Jacob Eliot, Mr. Thomas Walker Mr. Saml. Cheek- 
ly, Mr. Joseph Eliot, John Devotion, Benjamin White, to meet 
with those sent from Cambridge in the 2d Tuesday in April, at 
Simon Gate's his house at nine of the clock in ye morning and to 
meet with those sent from Roxbury at the bound corner where 
Roxbur^', Cambridge and Boston meet at 2 of the clock afternoon. 

169f March 12. — Constable for Muddy River, Samuel Aspinwall, 

Surve3'ors, George Bearstow k, John Winchester, 

Tythingmen, Thomas Stedman Senr. Dorman Moraun. 

1G9| March 4. — Constable of Mudd}' River, Erasmus Drue. 

Surveyers, Benjamin White, Joseph Gardner. 

Tythingmen, John Devotion, Josiah Winchester. 

Fence viewers & bounds — Roger Adams & Thomas Woodward. 

169| March 9. — Constable of Muddy RiA^er Timothy Harris 

Surve3'ors, Joshua Child, Samuel Clark, Nathanl. Stedman. 

Tythingmen, George Bearstow, John Winchester. 

Fence Viewers, Joseph Gardner, Jonathan Tory. 

April 5. — Capt. Bezoun Allen, Mr. Thomas Walker, Joseph 
Eliot and John Devotion were chosen to run the line of the 
bounds, between Roxbury & Boston and between Cambridge and 
Boston on the last tuesday in April, to which were added John 
Winchester, Erasmus Drue & Timotlw Harris. 

1697 March 22. — For muddiriver, Saml. Clark was chosen con- 
stable for the year insuing, Saml. Clark 

And John Druce and Edw. Devotion were chosen serveighers 
for the year ensuing. 

1698 J/arc/i 14. — Constable For muddriver, Joseph Buckmaster. 



13 March 1G93.— Towne Clarke, Capt. Epli.i. Savage. 

Note.— first use of the term "Town Clerk''— previously called ''Recorder." 



61 

Voted that Rumney marsh and mnddirivev each place have lib- 
ert}' to chuse an assessor to set with the Selectmen for the making 
of their own rates. Each place is to make their chose of their sd 
assessor on their first training day and when cliosen to bring them 
on 3'e Day of a publick Town meeting to be confirmed by the 
Town. 

1699 March 13. — Constable for Muddiriver, Joseph Gardner. 

March 27. — The perambalaters chosen b}' the Selectmen to run 
the line between Boston k. Roxbury, Cambridge & Newtown were 
Mr. James Barnes, Mr. John Marion, Mr. Daniel Oliver, select- 
men and were joyned with them, Mr. Joseph Eliot, Mr. Roger 
Adams Mr. George Bestow 

The place appointed to meet, ye Roxbnr}' men is Mr. Roger 
Adam's the 18th of April at 8 the clock in the fore noon. 

Wth. Cambridge at Mr. Sewells farm and also new Town at 
two of the clock in the after noon, Mr. Barnes not being well did 
not go on this service. 

Then met with mr. John Marion Junr. and mr. Daniel Oliver of 
Boston and mr. Adams and mr Besto of muddiriver who were 
appointed by the Selectmen of Boston the 27th of March 1699 to 
meet wth such as were appointed by the selectmen of Roxburj' 
who were Capt. Steevens and mr. Nathl. Holmes, mr. Henry 
Bowen and Benj'a. Gamblin and Saml. Ruggles, the aforesd per- 
sons began their work at the highway leading to Cambridge at a 
great White oake standing by mr. Benj'a. White's house meadow 
and so to a dead crotched oake standing neer the middle of the 
lane and from thence to a small tree, called doggs wood right 
against a great pine swamp that was allowed formerly to be the 
mark wch Doggwood tree was marked wth B. on Boston side and 
R. on Roxbur}' side, and from thence to a white oak neer to the 



1097, March 22. — Voted, tlidt no person shall ride too and fro about the common on j-e 
Sabbath Day. to water Horses on tlie penalty of live shillhis's to any person trnns- 
gressing- and Mr. Daniel Ferfleld is impowered to look alter such Transgresser.s, & 
coniiilain of them to a Justice of Peace. 

Voted that the prudentials of the Town is left to the Judgment and Discretion of the 
Selectmen. 



r.2 

swamp side that is crooked, from thence to a heape of stones wth 
a stake in it and the stones ly part on another rock, and from 
thence to a black oak marked and from thence to a grey oak 
marked B. on the one side and II. on the other side as also all the 
aforesaid trees are marked The last great oak was neer to Jos. 
Backmaster's wch was the last mark the aforesaid men went to & 
the rnnning of the rest of the line was left to Joshua Child and 
Jos. Biickmaster of muddy River, & to Saml. Craft Icahod Griggs 
of Roxbury & the marks to be b}- them renewed and an acct 
thereof to be given to the aforesd committee for to be entered 
under the sd agreement wch is to be a settlement thereof. Timo. 
Stevens, Saml. Ruggles, Nathl. Holmes, Henry Bowen, Senr. 
Benj'a. Gamblin. 
• 1700, March 11. — Constable for muddiriver Joseph Davis. 

Surveyors, John White & John Devotion. 

Fence Viewers for muddi river, Ralph Shepard and Nathanill 
Holand.* 

Upon the petition of the Inhabitants of muddiriver To be a 
District or Hamlet seperate from the Town for these reasons fol- 
lowing, namely, the remoteness of their situation wch renders 
them uncapable of Injoying Equal Benefit & advantage wth other 
of the Inhabitants of Publick Schools for the Instruction of their 
Children, Relief of their poor & repairing of their highway's. 

Tiieir petition being read & the reasons given therein Debated, 
It was voted in the negative, & that tho the}' had not for some 
years been rated in the Town rate yet for the time to come the 
selectmen should rate them in the Town Tax as the other Inhabi- 
tants & as formerl}' they used to be. 

And for their Incourafferaent. It was voted that the Selectmen 



■'17(in— The litle of Esq. began to be ft-equeutly applied also the apostrophie '"s" in- 
stead of "Iiis'' 
A remaikalilc chaiijrc of style and mode characterizes the advent of the IStii century. 
Tliis year the first elaboi-ate rode ol by-laws was adopted for IJostou, for one year. 
1701-Streets of Boston first named. 
Tlie "u" becomes "v'- in the recoi-ils of tli's year. 
The Geu. Court becomes "the Great and General Assembly." 



63 

should provide a schoolmaster for them, To teach their children 
to read, write & cypher & order his pay out of the Town 
Treasury'.* 

n 00 Afanh I i. — Upon the petition of Joseph Buckmiuster of 
muddiriver, for a committee to be chosen by the Town, to la}- out 
a high wa}- to his land, he having no highway thereto, by virtue 
of a Town order. That all proprietors of lots of land Avithin the 
town & precincts thereof wch have no highway layd out to their 
lands shall have a highway layd out thereto In' a committee chosen 
and authorized by the sd Town for yt purpose. 

Sd Buckminster's petition was read &- it was voted. That Capt. 
Theo. Frary, Mr. Jcjhn Bonner, Mr. Joseph Front should be a 
committee to view sd. Buckminster's land k make report to sd 
Town, the next Genl. Town meeting what maj- be proper to be 
done therein. 

Ajonl 8. — Upon the return of the Committee wch were chosen 
by the Town ye 14 march last past, To take view of the land of 
Joseph Buckminster of muddiriver and to Judge what might be 
done wth respect to the laj-ing out of a high way thereto accord- 
ing to an antiant record of the Town, That every allotment 
should have a way laid out to it, by a committee chosen and au- 
thorized by the Town for yt purpose : 

The return of the committee was. That they Judged sd Buck- 
minster ought to have a high way laid out to his land. 

Upon which return. By a vote of the Town, the former com- 
mittee with the addition of Thomas Gardner & Saml. Aspinwall 



*Sonie of tlie Iiiliabitants of the norUi end of the Town stood iip& requested that they 
might have the libertie of a I'ree scliool for the teaching to write & cypher. 

It was voted in the arllirnifitive: That the selectmen sliould agree wtli a school- 
niitster for them & order him pay out of the Town Treasury. 

The Inhabitants of Rumney marsli standing by & seeing the Town in so good a frame 
also put in their request ytafree school might be granted them to Teach to Kead, 
write & Cypher. 

It being put to the Town to know their minds, it Avas voted in the aflirmative, with 
tliis Proviso, That it did appear to the Selectmen yt therem were a suitable number of 
cliildren to come to the school, then the Selectmen should agree w'Mx a Schoolmaster to 
teach these children To Read, write & cypher for wch service he should be payed 
out of tiie Town Treasury. 



64 



■were chosen and Impowered to l.i}^ ont a liigliwa}^ to scl. Buck- 
minster's land. 

ATay 14. — Whereas upon the 8th of April Last past a com- 
mittee was chosen and Impowered to lay out a high waj' for 
Joseph Buckminster of muddiiiver to his land he having yet had 
no highway laid out thereto, sd committee mett together and 
Layd out a high wa}- through Joseph Winchester's land to sd. 
Buckminster's land and sd. Winchester being Dissatisfied with 
what was done, presented his petition to the Town, to desire that 
other meet persons might be chosen b}' sa3-d Town to take a view 
of what is done & to make a report of the same to the Town, 
his petition being read k. considered, Capt. Nathl. Williams and 
mr. Isaiah Tay were chosen by a vote of the Town, to Joj'ue with 
the former Committee to Indever the settlement of that concerne. 

1701 March 10. — Constable, muddiriver, John Druce 

Surve^'-ers, Jos. White, John Devotion, Joshua Child. 

Fence Viewers, Josiah Winchester, Daniel Harris. 

May 12. — The committee formerly appointed to laj' out a wa}^ 
to the land of Joseph Buckmister have given in the folloAving re- 
turn, the same being read in the Publick Town meeting vizt. 

Wee the subscribers being appoynted a committee, b}- the vote 
of the Town of Boston past the 8th day of April 1700, to la}- out 
a highway to the land of Joseph Buckminster of Muddy River, ac- 
cordingly we did on the 30th daj' of Aprill, stake out a highway of 
twenty four feet in breadth through the land of Josiah Winchester 
vizt. Running from the south side of a white oak tree standing in 
the Country Road upon a direct line to the brow of the Hill neer 
said Buckminster's Land & thence winding down the Hill some 
thing southerly to the aforesaid Buckminster's Land. 

T. FRARY 

THOMAS GARDNER 
JOHN BENNET 
SAML. ASPINWALL 
JOSEPH PROUT. 



65 

July ?>lth 1700. — The persons appointed as a committee by the 
vote of the town of Boston, dated the 14th of May last past, all of 
them being present (except Samuel Aspinwall) at Muddy River, 
upon the spot, do give their opinion that the way stated by the 
committee on the 30th of April last from Joseph Buckminster's 
land through, the land of Josiah "Winchester ought to be continued, 
said Buckminster being present having promised to make suffi- 
cient Gates at each end of sayd way with all convenient sj)eed, 

And the said Winchester being present doth engage forever 
here after to maintain and uphold that gate at the northerl}- end 
next the highway, and said Buckminster engages to uphold and 
maintain that gate next the said Buckminster's land, from time to 
time, each of them for themselves their lieires executors and adms. 
and so engaging each to other. 

In Testimon}^ whereof said Buckminster and Winchester have 
hereunto set their hands and scales the day and year abovesaid. 

Signed & sealed in presence of us i Joseph Buckminster 

Nathl. Williams, Isaiah Tay ) Josiah Winchester. 

The Town by their vote do manifest their approbation of the 
committees return of a way laid to Joseph Buckminster's land to- 
gether with Joseph Buckminster & Josiah Winchester their agree- 
ment thereto. 

March ye 9tJi 170^. — Solomon Phipps is chosen constable of 
Boston for the District of Muddy River. 

Messiurs Joshua Child, Thomas Stedman & Edward Devotion 
are chosen surveyers of high ways at Muddy River. 

Messrs. Ralph Shepherd, & John Winchester are chosen Fence 
viewers for Muddy River. 

March 8 170f. — Edward Devotion chosen constable at Muddy 
River. 

Daniel Harris, William Sharp, Peter Bileston chosen surveyors 
of high ways for Muddy River. 

John Devotion, Thomas Woodward, chosen Fence viewers for 
9 



66 

Muddy River. Joseph "White chosen tythingmau for Muddy 
River. 

March, 13 170|-. — The several officers chosen to serve within the 
district of Muddy River, vizt : 

Rialph Shepherd to serve as constable. 

Peter Bileston as surveyor of Highways. 

Samuel Clark, Samuel Aspinwall, as Fence viewers 

Joseph AVhite as Tithingman 

March 12, 170|. — Several officers chosen to serve for 3*6 Dis- 
trict of Muddy River : 

Thomas Stedman to serve as constable. 

John Winchester Junr. John Ackers, surveyors of High waj's. 
John Sever, Benjamin White Fence viewers. Joseph White, 
Samuel Aspinwall Tithingmen. 

Elisha Cook Esqr. Elder Joseph Bridgham, Capt. Ephraim Sav- 
age, Capt. Bezeon Allen & Capt. Oliver Noj'se are chosen a com- 
mittee to consider and draw up what they shall think proper, on 
the behalf of this town, to lay before the Genl. Court at their next 
session, relating to a petition of sundry of the Inhabitants of 
Muddy River who pray that they ma}- be dismist from the Town 
of Boston : & become a Township of themselves. 



March 13, 1704. — Voted that tbe Selectmen may lay out one hundred pounds in pav- 
ing such streets as they shall judge needful, and therein to have particular regard to 
the Highway nigh old Mrs. Stoddard's house. 



APPENDIX. 



2dth 11th 1671. — Upon the motion of Doct. Daniel Stone for 
pay for Chirurgery & phisicke administered to several poore of 
this towne, the select men see cause to abate him his rate this 
yeare for what is done for the time past and doe further now agree 
with him for twelve moneths next coming from the first of March 
next to take care of the poore of this towne as to phisicke & 
chirurgery, for which he is to have twentie shillings out of the 
town treasur}' and to be rate free the next 3'eare. 

20^/i UtJi 16 7J-.— Liberty is granted to John White of Muddy 
river, Senr. to cutt five oake & ffive Maple trees of the comon at 
Muddy river, provided he doe what he can to secure the rest from 
others or to give notice of any that shall offend in that kinde. 

25, 1, 1672. — It was ordered that notice be given to the 
severall persens underwritten, that they within one month after 
the date hereof, dispose of their severall children (herein nomi- 
nated or mentioned) abroad for servants to serve bj' Indentures 
for some term of yeares according to their ages and capacities, 
wch if they refuse or neglect to doe. The magistrates and select- 
men will take theire said children from them and place them with 
such masters as they shall provide according as the lawe directs ; 
And that they that doe according to this order dispose of their 
children doe make return of the names of master and children 
soe put out to service, with theire Indentures to the Selectmen at 



68 

their next monethly meeting, being the last monday in April next. 

John Glover daughter about 12 years old. 

Bryan Merphew's daughter in law, Martha Dorman, about 12 
yrs. 

Widdowe Crocukus three daughters 

Wm. Hambeltons daughter about 12 yrs 

Edward Gold's sonn about 20 years. 

John Dawes his son about 17 j'rs 

Thomas Williams his sonn Charles about 8 jts. 

30, 5, 1672. — John Gobbet sem\ ordered to remove his hay out 
of his dwelling house within seven days after the date hereof, 
upon the penaltie of twenty shillings pr weeke. 

16 March 167|. — Ordered that Capt. Thomas Savage, Capt. 
Edward Huchinson, Mr. Humphrey Carj-, Mr. John Hull & 
Deacon Henry Allen or the Majer of them shall draw up instruc- 
tions for the Select men, wch the}^ are to present to the Inhabitants 
at a publique Meeting for their approbation, for wch Capt. Savage 
is to apoint time & place. 

26 Jmi. 167|. — Whereas the widdowe Feltch hath made a com- 
plaint that John Harrison hath made a crosse ffence in that high- 
way (w:ere he makes his ropes) & thereby obstructed her in her 
occasions, which apears by the testimon^^ of several antient In- 
habitants of this towne, to be a high waye layd out mau}^ yeares 
since & made use of from time to time, as a highway- without in- 
terruption — It is understood that the said John Harrison remove 
the said crosse ffence & leave the said highwaj^ open & free as 
formerlie for the accomodation of the said Feltch or any other 
that may have occasion to make use of it as a high waj' upon the 
penaltie of twentie shillings a weeke. 

March 30, 1674. — [At a meeting of the Selectmen of Boston] 

Upon the petition of Ann the wife of Isreal Howeu to helpe 

them in the ffinishing of a house wch they are buildinge 

• (havinge by themselves & friends purchased a piece of land & a 



69 

fframe thereon, but not able to finish it) It is ordered that if the 
said Isreal will make over the deed of the said laud to the treas- 
urer of this towne for the use of the said Ann & her children, 

then the said treasurer shall let them have tenn for ye use 

aforesaid wch the present treasurer Mr. Thos. Brattle & Mr. John 
Lake are to see efiected 

July 27th 1674.— John Noyse is prohibited to employe his 
brother William Noyse as a cooper upon the penaltie of tenn shil- 
lings a weeke, havinge served but ffour yeares & a quartr to the 
trade & not twentie one yeares of age. 

April 21, 1676. — Elizabeth Jones is aproved of and apoynted to 
keepe the keyes*of the pound & to looke after cattle impounded 
till further order & to observe the lawes & ordrs of the countrie & 
town concerninge it. 

July 30, 76. — John Lewis came from Road Island where his 
wife gave him a paper of dismission from her in Novr. last & lib- 
ertie to marrie another woman & he is now ingaged to ye widow 
Williams to marry her, b}^ theire owne confessions, [returned to 
County Court.) 

1677 {vol. ii. p 105). — At a meetinge of this towne ffrom law- 
full warning, It is ordered that Elder John Wiswall Elder Edward 
Raynsford, Capt. Joshua Skottow, Capt. John Richards & Mr. 
Elisha Cooke be a committee for drawinge up Instructions for the 
Deputies to ye Generall court, to whome ye Selectmen are to 
joyne for yt end. 

l^th May. — At a meetinge of ye aforesaid committee the fol- 
lowing Instructions were agreed upon & ye 21th of May were pre- 
sented to the ffreemen & aproved of by them to be recomend to 
ye deputies. 

1 . Shall endeavor for peace & unitie be attanded & noe cou- 

troversall disputes moved, it beinge a time to unite. 

2. That in all matters of judicature wherein jon may be called 
to give yr vote you assume no arbitrarie power but observe our 



70 

knowne & established lawes for j-our direction therein (excepting 
in matters of mere grace & favor wherein you may abate of ye 
rigor of je lawe according to 3-our discretion. 

5. That in the exercise of jr legislative powers j-ou have re- 
spect to ye charter or patent & that 3-011 make noe lawes or orders 
repugnant thereto. 

4. That in all matters that may come under your consideration 
you passe nothing that may in the least measure have any ten- 
dancie to the infringement of our liberties & privileges whithr 
civill or ecclesiasticall granted us b}^ our charter. 

5 That whereas the number of ffreemen in this towne is much 
increased yt ye number of Deputies ma^' be augumented propor- 
tionablie to other Townes. 

6. Whereas the standr of weights exceed not ffoure pounds It 
may be enlarged to one hundred weight yt ffraud may be prevent- 
ed in great draughts. 

7. That whereas there ma}' be more use of bricks than former- 
ly the Lawe relating to tiles may extend alsoe to bricks as to the 
earth they are made of & yt not tempered with salt or brackish 
water & that there be a size apoynted 

8. That the Lawes respecting booke debts be repealed or the 
time for gettinge of them in enlarged. 

9. That effectual care be taken for ye paymts of ye debts due 
from ye countrie yt injustice in 3't respect be not matter of com- 
plaint. 

10. . That some order be taken about regulating ye building in 
ye respective townes, 3-t b}' scattering the3' expose not themselves 
to ye crueltie of 3'e natives or by theire narrow streets to 3'e dan- 
ger of ffire. 

11. That the mone3' stampt in the colon3' ma3' be made 
something lesse, 3't the carrying of it out ma}- be prevented & 3'e 
bringinge in of bullion ma}' be encouraged. 

12. That 3'e late ordr. of 3'e Honrd Councill bearing date 3-e 



71 

29th of March 1677 respecting the entertaining of Indians for ser- 
vants or otherwise may be enacted as a Lawe. 

13. That whereas oathes being taken privately without the 
knowledge of ye parties concerned ; and are dubiously worded 
whereby many inconveniences doe arise, that some care may be 
taken to prevent damage thereby. 

14. That care may be taken 3't the severall Lawes & ordrs es- 
tablished concerning the due observation of the sabbath, be strict- 
lie executed The profanation thereof growing more and more 
among us. 

15 That this Towne may be a corporation or made & towne & 
countrie. 

16. That care be taken all ware made of pewter or silver, 
whether brought to ye countrie or made here & exposed to sale be 
of ye just alio}'. , 

17 That larger power be allowed to those 3^t are apoynled to 
serch out unlicenced houses of entertainment according to yt Lawe 
made 13th of Octobr, 1675. 

22 March 1680. — Sixt}' Tythingmen appointed for Boston 

July 29. — The valuation of the estates of this town (Boston) 
was taken & amounted to 238771b : 10s : no d. 

wch. at a penny pr pound — rate assessed — 991b : 9s : 9J-d. 

More for heads at 20d 72 : 1 : 8. 

June 26 1693. — At a meeting of the Select men — 

It was ordered that Mr. Christopher Web be employed as an 
Attourney to demand and sue for the town rents and that a list of 
the Town rents be brought in and left with the Town clerk. 

At a publick meeting of the Inhabitants of Boston 
July 16, 1694 

Then voted that there should be seven assessors chosen, Capt 
Bezam Allen, Capt Samuel Checkly Ephraim Savage, Mr. Timothy 
Thornton &c. 



BOOK OF POSSESSIONS. 



lUh (llth) 1647. — The possession of William Hibbius, within 
the limits of Boston. 

One house, garden and stable, bounded with Mr. John "Win- 
throp's on the west : Richard Sherman and some part of the Fort 
Street on the South : the Springate on the north : and John 
Spoore on the east. 

(2) Also six score acres of land at Muddy River bounded 
with Mr. Thomas Oliver on the north : Edward Bendall on the 
west, together with Thomas Suowe and William Talmidge : Bos- 
ton common on the south and Roxbury bounds, south east. 

(3) Also twenty five acres of Marsh at Muddy River bounded 
Muddy River Charles river and a creek in the form of an Isth- 
mos : — 

(4) Also a house and farm of three hundred and fifty acres or 
thereabouts at Muddy River, bounded, Mr. William Tyng on the 
south : Cambridge bounds on the north west and Dedham bounds 
on the south west : — 

The possession of William Beamsley, within the limits of Bos- 
ton. 

1 One house and house lot, about half an acre. 

2 Also at Muddy River sixteen a^cres bounded with John 
Bigges on the east : Thomas Grubb on the west : the cedar swamp 
on the south : and the Marsh and River upon the north. 

11th (dth) 1651. — Thomas Woodward of Boston granted to 



73 

Alexander Beck of Boston, a parcel of land at Muddy River, con- 
taining four acres and a quarter, be it more or less, bounded with 
Richard Carter, south east : William Lamb south west ; Nathaniel 
"Woodward and Robert Roote, north west : and this was by a deed 
(valuable consideration being fii'st received) dated 11th Novem- 
ber 1651, sealed and delivered in presence of John Angier and 
William Aspinwall, Notarj' Public : — 

Thomas Painter, 

his possessions within the limits of Boston. 

1 one house and garden : — 

2 Also twenty acres at Muddy River bounded with Ralph 
Goultrop, East, William Toy, west, Griffith Bowen, south and 
John Leverit, north : — 

Thomas Scotto, 

his possession within the limits of Boston. 

1 One house and garden — 

2 Also four acres upland at Mudd}^ River, bounded with Wil- 
liam Beamsley and Thomas Grubb on the south, Richard Sanford 
and Alexander Beck, north, the cedar swamp Westward and his 
own Marsh east : — 

3. Also one acre of Marsh at Muddy River bounded with 
Charles River east, Richard Sanford, Thomas Grubb and his own 
upland west, and Jacob Eliot, southwards : — 

William Aspinwall, 

his possession within the limits of Boston. 

1 One house and garden : — 

2 Also at Muddy River nine acres surrounded with the Cedar 
Swamp and Nathaiuel Woodward the elder : — 

Jane Parker, 

Her possession within the limits of Boston. 

1. One house and garden &c. 

2. Also half an acre, the Newfield &c. 

3. Also fort}' acres of land at Muddy River, bounded with : — 

10 



u 

Jane Parker the widow of Richard Parker, intending to marrie 
— b}' a deed of gift thus dispose of her lands : unto Margaret, her 
daughter and her heirs, she did give, out of her house lot twenty 
one foot square in the angle at the meeting of the streets. Then 
all her house and lot also the half acre in the Newfield and forty 
acres at Muddj^ River she doth give to her sons, vizt. half to John 
Parker her eldest and his heirs and the other half equally to be 
divided betwixt Thomas and Noah and their heirs, and if the one 
die then to descend to the survivor, if both die, then to the eldest ; 
and this was by a deed dated 15 (5) 1646 and the same day 
acknowledged before the Governor. 

RaljA Mason's possession in Boston. 

1. one house and garden &c. 

2. 21 (12) 1645. — Isaac Peny granted unto Ralph Mason of 
Boston, ten acres of land be it more or less, at Mudd}- River, 
bounded with Ralph Mason's lot, south, Thomas Scotto, North, 
Mr. Hibbins, west, and this was by an absolute deed dated 20 
(10) 1645, acknowledged before Mr. Winthrop : — 

Richard Carter's possession in Boston, 

7 (1) '47. — William Aspinwall granted unto Richard Carter his 
lot at Muddy River, containing nine acres, more or less, bounded 
with Nathaniel Woodward, senior, towards the Northwest, and 
the cedar swamp on the other side : and this was b}' an absolute 
deed dated 7 (1) 1647: 

William Salter, his possession in Boston. 

3. Also at Muddy River, eight acres bounded with Robert 
Burdep, West, William Briscoe, East, Nathaniel Woodward 
Senior, North, and Jacob Eliot, south : This is again sold to Ed. 
Devotion, transfer lib 2, page 129 : — . 

Thomas Wheeler's possession in Boston. 

2. Also at Muddy River, fifteen acres, bounded with Mr. 
Hibbins, west, Cambridge bounds, North, Robert Hull, East and 
Henry Fane, South. 



75 

On page 145, the following is \NTitten. 

" Massachusetts Collon}-, in New England. 

John Leverett Esq. Govr. 

To all people who shall see these presents or hear them read : 
Greeting ; 

Know ye, that Lancelott Talbott and Joseph Smith have bought 
of the tresurer of this collonj', seaven Indians, Vizt. George, 
"William, Hawkins, great David, Reube, John Indian and Tounna- 
guin, which Indians were sentenced to be sold for slaves : To 
which end that said Talbott and Smith may transport them to any 
place out of this continent. In testimony of the truth hereof, I 
have caused the publique seal of this collon}- to be aflixed here- 
unto this 22 of 9 mo. 1675 Annoqe Regne Regi Caroli secundi 
xxvii. JOHN LEVERETT, Govr. 

Recorded and compared 22d 9th "75 per F. BEND ALL Beer 

On page 146. 

" Jonathan Torey of Muddy River took up a stray horse, damage 
ffeasant : the first day of Mai 1693. branded 9 near shoulder, a 
star in the forehead, no eare marks, brown colour, a streak of 
white behind his eai-e, fore top cut off, a dock, and brand C upon 
the near buttock, prised at fifty shillings, this signified by said 
Jonatha Torey June 13, 1693. 

Roger Adams took up a Bay colt that was stray on the 12 June 
1693. with a little Star in his forehead branded with a ) on the 
off shoulder, prized at 12 shillings, about two years old. This 
information brought to me by Mr. Jonathan Tore}-, Constable of 
Muddy River, on 14 July 1693 : 

Isaac Heath took up a stray steer the first of Jul}- 1693, of a 
red brindle coler with a white face, white under his belly, and 



Note.— Upon a piece of paper bound in the original book of possessions, is the follow- 
ing — " A stere taken up by John Weld and prised by Miester John Gore and Ilennerri 
Bouin the 16 day ot ionnewari. This stere was prised at 34 shiliugs in nioni. A black 
stere about 3 years oald marked with an nocli under boath his eares by me Jacob 
Newell, eonstabell, 14. — " 



76 



behind his fore leggs and before his hind leggs. he is branded of 
both horns with I and R. said beast was apprized at twentj'- shil- 
lings ; upwards of two years old, taken by Jonath. Torrey, con- 
stable of Muddy River: Entered Aug. 24, 1693. 

Muddy River. — Joseph Griggs took up a brindled cow apprized 
by John White and Rodger Adams at 30s. done the 7th of x m. 
1695 attested pr. Isaac Newell, constable of Roxberrj^, 17 : 12 : 
'75. 

Muddy River. — Joseph Griggs and John White Aprized a horse 
that widdow Clark took up of a dark bay culler and no other 
marke taken up the 19th Janr. last and signified this 17th of the 
11th mo '75 pr Robert Harris, constable. 



DOCUMENTS: 

IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE. 



Tlie SOth of December 1639.— At a meeting this clay of Mr. 
John Winthrop, Govr. Mr. Richard Bellingham, Treasur. Mr. 
William Coulborn, Capt. Edward Gibon, Mr. William Tyng Mr. 
William Hibbon, Mr. John Coggan, Mr. Robert Horden & Jacob 
Eliot. 

It was agreed that five hundred acre at Muddy River for per- 
petual comonage to the Inhabitants there and the Town of Bos- 
ton, to begin at the outer bounds of Mr. Hibbins Lott and so to 
go into the country as the land will afford before any other allot- 
ments are Laj'd out hereafter. 
By the President and Councill of his Majesti said Territory &c. 

In answer to the Petitions of the Inhabitants of Muddy River 
praying to have Liberty to erect a School upon hearing thereof it 
is ordered 

Present "the Honorble Joseph Dudley Esqr. President, and 

William Stoughton Esqr. Deputy President 

Edward Randolph Wait Winthrop Richard Wharton } ^ 

> Esqrs, 
John Usher, Jonnathan Tyng Barthol Gidney ) 

That henceforth the sd Hamlet of Muddy River be free from 

Town Rates to the Town of Boston they maintaining their own 

Highwa3'S and Poor and other public charges arising amongst 

themselves ; and that within one j^ear next coming they Raise a 



78 

School House in such place as the two next Justices of the County 
(upon a public hearing of the Inhabitants of the sd Ilamlett) shall 
determine. As also maintain an able Reading and writing master 
there ; from and after this day and that the Inhabitants annually 
meet to choose Three men to manage their affaires. 

Given at the C^ouncil House in Boston this eighth day of De- 
cembr. anno RRs. Jacobi Anglicae &c. Secundo, Annoge Dom. 
1686 

EDWARD RANDOLPH Secy. 
By the Councill 

BEN: BULLIVANT Gierke 
A true copy as attested b}- comparing it with the Town Records, 
June 15 : 1705. Read 

pr JOSIAH WINCHESTER, Clerk. 

To His Excellency The Governour, 

Council and Assembly. 

The humble petition of the Inhabitants of Mudd}- River 
Humbly Showeth, 

That they are a Hamlet belonging to Boston, have been lately 
settled there ; and sometime since in the year 1686, being grown 
to a good number of Inhabitants, represented to the Govern- 
ment then in being, prajing to be acquitted from paying Duties 
and Taxes to the Town of Boston, being then willing to bear 
their own Publiq charges of Bridges Highwaj's and Poor's and 
were accordingl}- then released and ordered to maintain a Reading 
and writing Schoole, as the order annexed will show which accord- 
ingl}^ we have ever since done ; and now further humbly pray that 
being grown to a greater Number of good settled Inhabitants we 
may be allowed a seperate Village : to have Selectmen and all 
other rights belonging to a Township which may further Encourage 



79 



us as we are able to settle a minister and other Benifitts amongst 
us : and we shall ever pray. 



SAML. SEWALL, Junr. 
THOMAS STEDMAN, senr. 
THOMAS GARDNER senior 
JOSEPH WHITE 
BENJ'A. WHITE 
JOHN WICHESTER senr. 
SAMUELL ASPINWALL 
JOSIAH WINCHESTER 

In the House of Representatives 
June 29: 1705 
Read & sent up. 



Read in Council sitting 
the General Assembly 
June 17th 1704. 

Ordered that the Select- 
men of Boston have a copj' of 
this Petition and be heard 
thereon at ye next Session 
of this Court. 

ISA ADDINGTON, Secy. 

Novr. pro. 170-1, 

In Council, 

Ordered that the Selectmen 
of Boston be notified to attend 
on Saturday morning next, 
the fourth current 

Nov. 4th. continued to the 
next session. 



To His Excellenaf the Govr. Council and Assembly, in General 
Court convened. 
The Humble petition of the Inhabitants of Muddy River, 
Showeth, That at a Session of this Hon ble Court held at Bos- 
ton on the Thirteenth of August 1704, The sd. Inhabitants Ex- 
hibited their humble Petition praying that the said Muddy River 
might be allowed a separate Village or peculiar and be invested 
with such powers and Rights as they ma}' be enabled by them- 
selves to manage the general aftaires of the sd place. Which 
petition has been transmitted to the Selectmen of the Town of 
Boston, that the}' may consider the same, since which ^-our hum- 
ble petitioners not having been informed of any objection made by 
the Town of Boston aforesaid, we presume that there is no ob- 
struction to our humble request made in our Petition. 



80 



"Wherefore we humbty beseech jom- Excellenc}^ that this Hon ble 
Court will be pleased to proceed to pass au Act for the establish- 
ing the said place a separate Village or peculiar with such Powers 
as aforesaid and your Petitioners shall ever praj" &c. 



SAMUEL SEWALLjunr. 
THOMAS GARDNER 
BENJAMIN WHITE 
THOMAS STEDMAN 
JOHN WINCHESTER 
SAMUEL ASPINWALL 
ELEAZER ASPINWALL 
WILLIAM SHARP 
EDWARD DEVOTION 



JOSEPH WHITE 
JOSIAH WINCHESTER 
JOHN DEVOTION 
JOSEPH GARDNER 
THOMAS STEDMAN juu. 
JOHN ACKARS 
JOSHUAH STEDMAN 
THOMAS GARDNER jun. 
RALPH SHEPARD 



JOSIAH WINCHESTER junr ABRAM. CHAMBERLEN 
THOMAS WOODWARD PETER BOYLSTONE 

JOHN ACKERS Junr. 
WILLIAM ACKERS 
BENJAMIN WHITE Jun. 
CALEB GARDNER 
JOHN SEAVER 
J— WINCHESTER. 



The Committee appointed to consider & draw up what might be 
thonght proper to laj^ before the Genl. Court relating to the peti- 
tion of sundry of the Inhabitants of Muddy River praying to be 
dismisst from the Town of Boston & admitted to be a Town of 
themselves — 

Upon pu-sal of the sd Petition observed that several sessions of 
the Genl. Court had passed after the time set for the hearing 
thereof & that consequent!}' the matter then fell: however, if it 
be again revived b}' any new petition or order, we think it proper 
to La}^ before the Court the unreasonableness of their Demand : 
They having been hitherto supported b}- the Town while they were 



81 

not able themselves to defray their necessary public charges 
many of vrhich might be enumerated & the town charges now in- 
creasing ujjon us, & the body of ye town abounding with poor & 
such as are not capable to defray but rather greatly increase the 
charges, for the Inhabitants of Muddy River at such a time & 
being themselves now grown more oppulent and capable to be 
helpful to ye town to be sent from us seems most unreasonable 
and in them very ingrateful & may be a bad example to others to 
endeavour the like, & so cutt the towns into such shreds as will 
best suit themselves without any due regard to ye publick Inter- 
ests : The charge of the road upon the Neck is great & is still grow- 
ing & the Petitione & Inhabitants of Muddy River have had more 
benefit & do more to increase the charge of that way than all the 
rest of the town, several other things might be instanced which 
the Selectmen are well acquainted with & we think they ought (if 
the General Court see cause to proceed in the petition) to pray to 

be heard therein. 

ELISHA COOKE, 

in the name & by order of ye Committee. 

In Council, June 15, 1705, Read & ordered a hearing before 

this court on Tuesday the 19th currant. And that the Select men 

of Boston be notified thereof. 

ISA ADDINGTON, ^icy. 

Sent down for concurrance. 
June 15 : 1705 read. 

In ye House of Representatives, June 20th 1705 Resolved, that 
since the time of the hearing 

That there be a hearing thereof on Friday next, at three of the 
clock in je afternoon 

11 



82 



To His Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq. 

Capt. General 4' Commander in Chief and to ye 
Honourab/c ye Council &f Assembly. 

The answer of ye Selectmen & ye Committee of ye Town of 
Boston to ye Petition of ye Inhabitants of Muddy River, Humbly 
Showeth, That they have bin as easy in this Town as they could 
in reason desire. They have not urged any thing in their Petitions 
to the contrary. This Town has never called on them to support 
the ministry of the Town as is usual in the like cases in ye coun- 
try, They have not bin enjoyned to watchings and wardings 
either stated or occasional wc has been heav}' on ye body of the 
Town. Upon yr desire Sc regular motion for a School in that part 
of ye Town yt has been allowed them ; That lately jt has not bin 
more levied on them (and not always so much) as would defray 
the charges Incident in that part of ye Town, & where as they 
mention in yr petition yt it would encourage them in time to sup- 
port the charge of a Settled Ministry, thereb}^ importing yr pres- 
ent Inability, wc seems a very preposterous arguing, the Law re- 
quiring a settled Ministry as one Qualification for a Township & 
some of the Subscribers since ^-r signing have Declared yr con- 
trary Intention, and that wc makes tliis yr Desire the more un- 
reasonable is that the}^ have been hitherto supported by the ToAvn 
while they wei'e not able themselves to defray yr Publiqe charges 
in the many Instances to be enumerated, 

That it may be a President of 111 Consequences to _ve Publiq to 
divide Townships into small slips of Land rendering them weak & 
every charge a Burden tending to starve Learning & F\.eligion out 
of ye country (especially where no reason of state requires) the 
consideration of wc we submitt to this honorable Court. 

Wc humbly offer further to this honorble court that such a sepa- 
ration is contrary- to ye undoulited right & interest of Boston 
there being 500 acres of land laid connnon in that part of the 



83 

Town wh is the Towns right bnt on a seperation can be no service 
to the Town. 

That the Town is ver_y much straightened in its present bounda- 
ryes b}- our former too easy concessions as was that of the Neck 
to Dorchester, of the land of Newtown to Cambridge and the 
whole Township of Braintree : and would be much now if Muddy 
River so near to us, should be seperated from the Town. 

Ruraney marsh &c, would have a president to desire the same, 
so that Boston would only be confined to this Isthmus of a mile 
long well was never thought sufficient bounds for a Township ; 
especially at this time when Boston is dail}' the Center of all for- 
eign poor &c, of Saylors, widdows, and the refuge of our distressed 
Neighbours from the fronteer who Insensibly grow upon us : So 
that upon the whole we hope your Excy & this honble Court will 
dismiss the sd petition. 

June the 22th 170o. Pr order of the Selectmen 

JOSEPH PROUT, Town Clerk. 
EPHRAIM SAVAGE ] 
BOZOUN ALLEN [ Committee 

OLIVER NOTES J 

In the House of Representatives. 
Novr. 2d &3d 1705 

9 Read and Ordered That the Praier of this Petition be 
Granted and the Powers and Privileges of a Townsliip be Given 
to the Inhabitants of the Land commonly known by the name of 
Muddy River, The Town to be called Brookline, who are hereby 
Injoined to Build a Meeting House and obtain an able orthodox 
Minister according to Direction of the law, to be settled amongst 
them within the space of throe years next coming. 

Provided that all common Lands belonging to the Town of 
Boston lying within the Bounds of the said Muddy River, not 



84 

Disposed of or allotted out, shall still remain to the Proprietors 

of the said Lands. 

THOMAS OAKES, Speaker. 

Sent up for concurrence. 

In Council, Novr. 16. 1705 Read a 1st time. 

Read a 2nd time and pass'd a concurrance 

ISA ADDINGTON, Secry. 



MUDDYRIVER TOWN BOOK 

OR A BOOK OF RECORDS FOR 

The Hamlet of Muddyriver. 



> Esq'r 



New England 

B}' the president and Council of his Majesties Territory and do- 
minion aforesd &c. Wenesda}' December 8th 1G86 

Present the Honorable JOSEPH DUDLY Esq'r president & 
WM STOUGHTON Esq'r Deputy president 

EDWARD RANDOLPH '] 
WAIT AVINTHROP 
RICHARD WHARTON 
JOHN USHER 
JOHNA. TYNO 
BARTHO GIDNEY 
In answer to the petition of the inhabitants of Muddp-iver 
praying to have liberty to Erect a school &c upon the hearing 
thereof the president and Council do Order that henceforth the sd 
Hamlet of Muddyriver be freed from Town rates to the Town of 
Boston they maintaining their own Highways and pore and other 
publick charges arising amongst themselves and that within one 
year next Coming they raise a school House in such place as the 
Two next Justices of the Countie upon a publick hearing of the 
Inhabitants of the sd Hamlet shall Determine 

As also maintaine an able reading and writing Master there 
12 



J 



86 

from and after that Day and that the Inhabitapts annual!}- meet 

to choose three men to manage their affairs 

EDWARD RANDOLPH Secr'i/ 
A True Coppie attests 

BENJAM'N BULLIUANT late Clarke 

of the Councill 
Mudd3river 

January \^tli ICSf- At a full Meeting of the Inhabitants of 
MuddjTiver they Voted the acceptance of the late grant of the 
president in council as the same was read and is expressed 

Voted that for the Annual maintenance of the Schoolmaster 
above be twelve pounds ^ anum in or as Mon^-e Raised equaly b}^ 
a Rate according to usual manner of Raising publick charges by 
the three men And that the Remainder necessar}- to support the 
charges of the Master be laid equaly upon the scholors heads save 
any persons that are poore to be abated in part or in whole. — 

B}' vote mad choise of Ens. Andrew Gardner John White Jun'r 
and Tho. Stedman to be three men to Manage their affairs 

Tho. Boylston chosen Town Clarke and ordred to buy a Book 
and to Enter therein all Necessaries Relating to the Town and 
that from time to time 

The things above Recorded in this page were found written in a 
book of Mr Thomas Boylstons Avho dyed before this Book was 
Bought and were exactly transcribed out of it and the above 
Records is all that could be found enterd In that Book relat- 
ing to the publick affairs of Muddyriver 

As Attests JOSIA WINCHESTER Clarke 

1697 

At a General Meting of the Inhabitants of Muddyriver on Mun- 
day March 15th 1697^ 

Then were chosen by the Inhabitants of sd Muddyriver Three 
men to manag their affairs for the Year Ensuing 

Viz Leu. Tho. Gardner Benjamin White Rogger Adams 

It was then voted by the Inhabitants of Muddyriver aforesaid 



87 

that Josiah Winchester should be dark of the hamlet of Mudd}-- 
river for the 3ear ensuing 

As allso two Men for Surva3'ors of Ilighwa^-es Viz Joshua 
Gardner John Druce 

At a Meting of the Inhabitants of Muddyriver on munday 
March 29 1697^ Joshua Child was voted Connstable for the hamlet 
of Muddyriver aforesa3ed 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Muddj-rivor Ma}' 28 1697 to 
consult about the support of the scholl and the defraying other 
publick charges 

It was then voated that Mr John Searl should tech school in sd 
Muddj-river from the first Munday in may 1697 until the last day 
of february 1697 (8)? 

Also upon this 28th of May 1697 it was voated b}^ the Inhabi- 
tants of Muddyriver that twelve pounds should be levied upon the 
Inhabitants towards the schoolmasters salary according to a for- 
mer voate of the Inhabitants upon the 19th of January 1686 

It wa«; likewis voated by the Inhabitants on this 28th of Maj^ 
1697 that the Select men should lev}' Mony by Rate upon the In- 
habitants to defra}' the chai'ges of repairing the Schol-house and 

pound 

1698 

At a Meting of the Inhabitants of Muddyriver March 7 169| 
Joseph Buckminster was choson connstable b}^ the voate of the 
Inhabitants for the 3'eare iusueing « 

Solomon Phips Joseph Gardner Joseph Davis Survej'ers of 
High wa^'s 

Lent. Thomas Gardner Benjamin Whit Rogger Adams chosen 
Select men 

Josiah Winchester chosen Town dark 

1699 
At a Meting of the Inhabitants of Muddj-river March the 6th 
1699 to chus connstable Select men & other officers necessary for 
sd Hamlet 



88 

Half Shepard was voted Counstable Lent. Thomas Gardner 
Sarg't Benjamin Whit Sarg't Samuel Aspenwall Select men 
Josiah Winchester Town dark 

Survaj-ers of Pligh wa3-s Joshuah Gardner & Nathaniel Stedman 
Joseph Davis & Joshuah Child fence vewers 
John Devotion & Josiah Winchester Tything-men 

1700 

At a Meting of the Inhabitants of Muddyriver March 4th V^(jV 
Joseph Davice was chosen constable 

Lent. Thomas Gardner Serg't Benj. White Samuel Aspenwal 
Select men 
Joseph White & Jo'n Devotion survayers of ye high-ways 
Nathaniel Holand & Ralph Shepard fence vewers 
Joshua Gardner & Daniel Harris Tythingmen 

1701 

At a General Meeting of ye Inhabitants of Muddyriver upon 
March 3d 170^ to Chose officers for the Hamlet &c. the three Men 
chosen to Manage the affairs of ye Hamlet wre Lent. Thomas 
Gardner Ens'n Thomas Stedman Sarg't Benjamin White 

Josiah Winchester was chosen cleark of sd Hamlet 

John Druce Counstable 

Joseph White John Devotion & Joshua Child Survayers of 
Hyghways 

npon this 3d day of March 170 J- It was allso 

Voated that there shold be a pound Erected this present yeare 
1701 within this hamlet 

1702 

At a General Meting of ye Inhabitants of Muddy river March 
2d 170§ Lent. Thomas Gardner Sarg't Benjamin White and Sarg't 
Samuel Aspenwal were then chosen to manage ye Affairs of the 
Hamlet 



89 

Josiah Winchester was then chosen cleark 

Solomon Phips Connstable 

Joshua Chikl. Thomas Stedman Jun'r & Edward Devotion were 
chosen Survwayers of the high-wa3'es 

Ralph Shepard & John Winchester Junior were chosen fence- 
Viewers 

1703. 

At a meting of the Inhabitants of Mudd3'river March 1st 
1702| to chuse Select men and a connstable and other officers 
&c it was then voted that Lent. Tho. Gardner Benjamin White 
Senior and Samuel Aspenwall Should be the three Select-men to 
Manage the afairs of sd place for this present yeare 

Josiah Winchester chosen dark Daniel Harris William Sharp & 
Peter Bojlston were chosen Surveighors of High-ways. John 
Devotion and Thomas Woodward were chosen fence-viewers 

On the same day it was voted b}' the Inhabitants that a pound 
should be erected In sd Muddja-iver In such place as the three 
select men shall appoint Voated also bj' the Inhabitants at the 
same tim above dated that Mon^-e should be levied on ye Inhabi- 
tants to defray the charge of building the aforesaid Pound voted 
that Edward Devotion should be Connstable of Muddyriver for 
this present 3'eare upon the same day above written Joseph 
White was chosen T^'thing-man by vote of the Inhabitants of 
Muddyriver. 

1704 

At a meting of the Inhabitants of Muddyriver March 6th 170f 
being Legaly warned It was then voted that Leut. Thomas Gard- 
ner Ens'n Benjamin White & Josiah Winchester should be the 
three men that should manage the afairs of the Hamlet of Muddy- 
river for this present yeare 

Also it was then voted that Josiah Winchester should be dark 
of ye Records 

Voted that Joseph White should serve as Tythingman for this 
present yeare 



90 

Voted that Daniel Harris William Sharp and Peter Bo3'lsten 
should serve as Siu'veighrs of IIigh-wa3-es for the Present ^^eare 

Voted that Samu'l Aspenwal and Samuel Clark should serve as 
Fence- viewers for this present yeare 

Voted b}^ the Inhabitants of Muddyriver on this 6th day of 
March 1 704 that twenty pounds should be llaized b}' tax up the 
Inhabitants for the support of the School 

Voted that Ralph Shepard should serve as Counstable for this 
present yeare 1 704 

1705 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Muddyriver on Munday 
March the fifth 1705 being Legaly warned 

Voted that Thomas Stedman jun'r should sarve as Counstable 
for Muddyriver for this present j-eare 

Voted That Lent. Thomas Gardner John Winchester Sen'r and 
Josiah Winchester should sarve as Select men to Manage the pub 
lick afairs of Muddj'river for this present j^eare 

Voted That John Winchester Jun'r Abraham Chambarlin and 
John Ackers should sarve as Surveighers of High wa^^es for this 
present yeare 

Voted that Benjamin White and John Seaver should serve as 
fence viewers for this present 3'eare 

Voted that the select men should proportion the labour of par- 
sons and teams to repaire the High-wayes 

Voted that twelve pounds should be levied by tax upon the In- 
habitants of Mudj-river toward the support of the school and that 
the other part of the charges for the same should be layed equally 
upon the heads of the children taught thereat for this present 
yeare 

Voted that fort}^ shilings should be levied b}' tax upon the In- 
habitants for the Repairing the School house 



91 

[Town of Brookline.] 

A Coppy of Brookliiis Grant Nov 13. 1705. 
Anno Regni Anna Regina Quarto 

At a Great and General Court or Assembly for lier Maj'ys Prov- 
ince of the Massachusetts Bay in New England begun and held 
at Boston upon Wednesda}- the Thirtieth of May 1705 and con- 
tinued by several Prorogations unto Wednesday the Twenty 
Fourth of Octobr following and then mett 

Tuesday Nov 13. 1705. 

In Council 

The Order pass'd b}^ the Representatives upon the Petition of 
the Inhabitants of Muddj- River a Hamlett of Boston read on 
Saturday last viz 

Ordered That the Prayer of the Petition be Granted and the 
Powers and Priviledges of a Township be given to the Inhabitants 
of the Land commonly known b}^ the Name of Muddy River The 
Town to be called Brookline who are hereby enjoined to build a 
Meeting house and Obtain an Able Orthodox Minister according 
to the Direction of the Law to be Settled amongst them within 
the space of Three j'ears next coming Provided That all Common 
Lands belonging to the Town of Boston l^'ing within the bounds 
of the said Muddy River not disposed of or Allotted out shall 
still remain to the proprietors of the sd Lands 

Which Order being again read was concurred And is consented to 
J DUDLEY 

Taken from Mr Addington's Copp}^ sent to the Town 

A true Copp}^ Examind ^ Isaac Addington Sec'ry 

Recorded ^ Mr Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Clark 
BrooTdin 1706 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin on Munda}- March 
4th 170 1 leagally warned 

Voted that Peter Bo^dstou should sarve as Counstable for this 
present yeare 



92 

Voted that five Select-men be chosen to manage the affairs of 
this Town. The parsons chosen by vote of 3-e Inhabitants to 
serve as Select men for this present yeare were Lent. Thomas 
Gardner Samuel Aspenwall John Winchester Josiah Winchester 
Mr Samuel Sewal 

Voted that Josiah Winchester sen'r should serve as Town dark 
for this yeare instant 

Voted that 3 met parson be chosen for Assessors for this present 
yeare 

Voted that Samuel Aspenwall Joseph Gardner and Rogger 
Adams should sei've as Assessors for this yeare currant 

Voted that Daniel Harris and Samuel dark should sarve as 
Tything-m en 

Voted that Eleazer Aspinwall Benjamin White juu'r and Robert 
Harris should serve as surveighers of High wa^-es 

Voted that John Winchester jun'r & Edward Devotion should 
servi' as fence viewers 

Voted that Daniel Harris and Thomas Stedman jun'r should be 
overseears of the Common-Lauds In Brooklin for this yeare 
Currant 

Voted that Nathaniel Holland and William Sharp should serve 
as Hawards or field-drivers for this yeare 

At a Town Meeting of ye Inhabitants of Brooklin March 25 
1706 leagally warned 

Voted that John Winchester sen'r should serve as an assessor for 
this present yeare in the Rome of Rogger Adams who refused to 
serve 

Voted that there should be a Burying place in this Town of 
Brooklin. 

Voted that the Burying-place should be on a spot of Land on 
the south side of the Hill in Mr Cottons farm pointing between 
the two Roads if it can be attaind. 

At this Meeting of the Inhabitants they were desired to mani- 
fest their minds concerniug; their Buildino- a Meting -house In 



93 

Brooklin and setling an Orthodox Minister there which proposal 
was declined b}' them and left to further consideration 

Voted that twelve pound be levied by tax upon the Inhabitants 
of this Town for Repairing the School-House and for the Support 
of the School for this present yeare. 1706. 

John Winchester sirCr Samuel Aspenwal and Joseph Gardner 
being chosen Assessors of the province Tax to be levied on this 
Town for this present yeare, mad Oath to perform the work, and 
office of Assessors as the Law Directs adminisr to them by Josiah 
Winchester, Town dark, on March, 25, 170f 

1707. 

At a Meting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin upon March the 3d 
— I70f. legal}' warned. 

Voted that Joshua Child should serve in the office of a Coun- 
stable for this yeare. 

Voted that Lent. Thomas Gardner. John Winchester seu'r and 
Samuel Aspinwail should serve as Select men for this present 
3'eare. 

Voted that Josiah Winchester, sen'r should serve as Town dark, 
who had the oath belonging to that office administred to him by 
the Select men on this 3 day of march. 1707. 

Voted That Thomas Woodward, and Edward Devotion Serve 
in the office of Ty thing-men for ye present yeare. 

Voted that Timothy Harris, Ralph Shepard and Eleazar Aspin- 
wail serve as surveighers of High-wayes 

Voted that Nathaniel Holland and Thomas Gardner, serve as 
fence-viewers. 

Voted that John Elis and John Ackers should serve as Hewards 
or field-drivers for this present yeare. 

Voted that a Tax of twenty pounds be levied upon the Inhabi- 
tants for repairing the schol-house and keeping a school for the 
space of one yeare. 

At a Meting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin on June 7th 1707. 
13 



94 

to chuse a Grand-Juryman. the}' then made choyes of Lent. 
Thomas Gardner to serve in that office. 

Nathaniel Holland had the oath belonging to the office of fence- 
yiewer administred unto him on the 25th day of Jvme 1707, by 
me Josiah Winchester Town dark. 

At a Meting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin upon Jul}' ye 21 — 
1707. Eus'n Benjamin White was chosen b}' vote of sd Inhabi- 
tants to serve as Select-man. sd Meeting being legal}- warned. 

upon July ye 21. 1707 Lent. Thomas Gardnar. Eus'n Benjamin 
White & John Winchester, Sen'r liad the oath appointed b}' Law, 
to be taken by asessors of ye Province Tax Administred to each 
of them by me Josiah Winchester town dark. 

1707 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin on the 5th da}* of 
January- 170|. Legaly warned. 

Voted that John Wincliester sen'r shold serve as Commissioner, 
and also that Samuel Aspenwal. Joseph Gardnar and Erosamond 
Drew, shold serve as Trustees, to ioyn with said Commissioner in 
make ing a valuation of the estate of the afore said Town. 

Voted that Mr Samuel Sewal serve as Town-Treasurer 

June 1707 chose Lt Gardner Grand jur}' man. 

March 1. 170|. At a Town Meeting of the Inhabitants' of 
Brooklin for Choosing Town Officers. Town Chose Viz 

3 Select men. John Windchester. Thomas Stedman and 
Samuel Sewall jun'r. 

John Winchester jun'r Constable for the Next Year. 

April 21-\1Q%. Swore John Winchester jun'r to the Office of 
Constable as the Law directs. 

3 Surveyers. John Ellis. Joseph Adams and Joseph Davis. 
Sworn. 

2 Fence Viewers. Ralph Sheppard. Peter Bo^dston. Sworn 
as the Law directs. 



95 

2 Field drivers. Thomas Gardnar junr. Benj'n White jun'r 
Sworn. 

Cliose Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Clark. Sworn. 

Voted Twelve pounds to pa}- the Charges of the Town for time 
past. 

June 1708 chose Eros Drew Grand jur}' man. 

March 7. 170|. At a Town Meeting for Choosing Town 
Officers. 

Chose Thomas Woodward Constable Dropt him 

Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Clerk. 

3 Select men John Winchester, Thomas Stedman and Samuel 
Sewall jun'r. 

Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Treasurer. 

3 Surveyors. Samuel Clark. Caleb Gardnar and Samuel 
Newel. 

2 Fence Viewers. John Ackers. Josiah Winchester jun'r. 

2 Hoggyerds. Edward Devotion. Ebenezer Kindrick 

John Sever Constable, upon Woodwards refusal sworn same 
Day. 

Voted Ten pounds to defray charges past. 

April 22, 1709 Chose John Winchester. Representative. 

June 1709. Chose Josiah Winchester Grand jury man. 

lie sales not legally so not serve but find 40s pr Justices 

At a Town Meeting. Legally warnd Nov 28 1709. 

Voted that the Inhabitants have further time to Consider about 
Building A Meeting House &c And at March meeting to give an 
Answer. 

Voted that the Select men take care to the Disposal of the 
Wood and Timber fallen in the Common Lands hy Fire. For the 
Benifitt of the Town. 

At a Town Meeting Legally- warnd March 6. 170j-3- 

Voted Will'm Morean Constable. Sworn 

3 John Winchester Samuel Sewall jun'r Thomas Stedman 
Select men 



96 

Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Clark and Town Treasurer. 

3 Survej'ers Robert Sharp. Caleb Gardner jun'r. Sworn and 
Samuel Newel — sworn. 

2 Fence Viewers. Amos Gates. Edward Devotion. Sworn. 

2 Hog3'ards or Field drivers Jhon Winchester James Shedd. 

At a Town Meeting Legally Warned Maj- 16. 1710 

Chose John Winchester Representative. 

Voted Mr Woods have timber Gratis vallued about 20s. Gott 
out of Common Swamps ^ Mr Morean 

Voted Eleven pounds be Levied upon the Inhabitants to de- 
fray the Town charges. 

Granted Nine pounds to John Winchester for being Represen- 
tative for 1709. For 64 Days service abating the 12d over at 3d 
^Day. 

June 1710. Chose Dan'l Harris Grand jurj- man. 

At a Town Meeting. Legall}^ warned March 5th 17|f 

Chose Lt. Gardner. John Winchester. Sam'l Aspinwal. Sworn. 

Thomas Stedman, and Samuel Sewall jun'r Town clerk and 
Treasurer. 

Chose Caleb Gardner. Will'm Gleason and Joseph Davis. Sur- 
ve3'ers. Sworn. 

Chose Joseph Gardner. John Sever. Fence Viewers 

Chose Thorn's Gardner Tertius & Caleb Gardner jun'r Hoggj-erds 
and Field drivers. Swoim. 

Chose Thomas Woodward Constable Find 

Chose Benj'm White jun'r Constable Sworn 

Voted That there be Liberty Granted to Erect Two School 
houses at there own Charge that improve them. Also that they 
maintain a good School dame half of the year at each house. 
That the Town allow the charge for a Master one qr at one School 
house and the other quarter at the other. To teach, to write and 
Cypher. 

Voted Twenty four pounds be Assessed upon the Inhabitants 
to defray the Town charges. 



97 

Voted That there be a Post Erected to putt Publishments on 
&c By Ens Whites corner. 

Voted John Winchester Eight pounds for his service as Rep- 
sentative : for 1710. > 

At a Town Meeting Legally Warned May 14 1711 

Chose Josiah AVinchester. Representative. 

Voted That the Select men with the Representative be a 
Committee to Speak with the Select men of Boston and Act for 
the Town about the Common Lands. 

Agreed with Wm Storj' to keep School 3 Months He beginning 
January' 7th 17|^. Allowing 5:0:0 for his Services. Agreed 
with John Winchester jun'r For his man Ed Ruggles to keep 
School att the New School House 2 Months. He beginning 
January 23 Wednesday 17|j. Allowing for his Service 4 : : 
^ Order of Select men. S SEWALL Jun'r 

T Clark. 

Att a Town Meeting Legally Warned March 3 1712 
Voted Joseph Adams Constable for the Ensuing Year 
Voted 3 Select men to manage the Affairs of the Town viz Lt 
Gardner. Samuel Aspinwall & Sam'l Sewall, as also to Assess &c. 
The Town. Sworn. 

Voted Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Clark. Sworn 
Voted Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Treasurer Sworn 
Voted 3 Surveyers viz. Amos Gates. Josh'a Stedman & Abra- 
ham Woodward. Sworn 

Voted Caleb Gardner & Eben Kindrick. Fence Viewers 
Voted Sam'l Newel. John Ackers. Field drivers. Sworn 
Voted Select Men to go & to Receive the £7-11-6 which the 
Select men have Sett out to us as our proportion, according to our 
Last Town Rate that we paid to Boston Town in 1686. 

Voted That the Raising of money be deferred till May meeting. 
Voted That Thomas Woodward be excused from his serving as 
Constable. He having paid to the Treasurer £4-4- 



98 

Copp3' of Eeceipt and Record given to Mr Prout. Boston T. 
Clark. Viz March 3, 17|j-. Broolclin ss Att a Town meeting Le- 
gally- warned. It was then Voted that the Select men then chose, 
should receive and demand the part of the money asigned to them 
hy the Select men of Boston according to the Town Rate in 1686. 
Being the last Town Rate paid by Brooklin to Boston. 

The Select men Lt. Gardner Lt. Aspinwal Sam'l Sewall jun'r. 

Attested p Sam'l Sewall Town Clark. 

Receipt. We the subscribers two of the Select men have reed 
of Joseph Prout Treasurer to the Town of Boston £7-1 1-6 being 
Brooklin*s proportion of (the remainder worn off ) 

At a Town Meeting Legally Warned May 16. 1712 

Voted Samuel Sewall jun'r Representative 

Voted That the Six pounds in the Treasurers hands be for the 
procuring Ammunition for the Town's Use as the Law Directs and 
requires 

Voted That Eighteen pounds be Layed on the Inhabitants For 
a School and Representative &c. 

Voted Select men View the Ace's of Brooklin and make a return 
in March Meeting. 

Att a Town Meeting in June 1712. Mett and chose Joseph 
Gardner Grand jur}- man. 

At a meting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin on Monday March 
2d 170|§. Legall}^ warned. 

Voted that Caleb Gardnar jun'r Should serve in the office of 
Counstable and was then Sworn to sd office as the Law Directs 

Voted that Josiah Winchester Sen'r Serve as Town Clark, then 
Sworn as the Law directs. 

Voted that Erosamond Drew. Joiiah Winchester sen'r and 
Thomas Stedman Should Serve as Select men. 

Voted that Josiah Winchester Sen'r Serve in the office of Town 
Treasurer. 



I 



99 

Voted that Edward Devotion. Samuel White & Joshua Child 
Serve as Surveighers of High-wa^-es 

Voted that William Sharp & Wiliam Gleason should serve as 
Fence-viewers. Sworn. 

Voted that Henry Winchester & Josiah Winchester serve as 
Hawarders or field Drivers. Sworn. 

Voted that ye 3 Select men above-named Sarve as assessors 

Voted that three men be chosen and appointed to surveigh the 
limits of this town and to find the center or middle thereof and to 
inquire where a Convenient Place ma}- be Procured whereon to 
build a meeting-house ; as neare the center of said Town as 
ma}' be. 

Voted that Samuel Aspihwall. John Druce & Peter Bo3'lston be 
appointed a Committee to Manage the afaire relating to the Meet- 
ing-house aforesaid. 

At a meting of the inhabitants of Brooklin regularly assembled, 
on Maj^ 11. 1713. Josiah Winchester was chosen by the Major 
part of the Electors then Present to serve for and Represent them 
in a Great and General Court or Assembly appointed to be Con- 
vened Held and kept for her Majest's Service at ye Town house 
In Boston, upon Wednesday the 27 day of May 1713 

Voted Alsso at the meting afore &d that twenty pounds be levied 
upon the Inhabitants by Rate, tenn pounds there of towards the 
support of a School in said town and the other ten Pounds to be 
implo^-ed for defraying other necessary charges of sd Town. May 

1713 the oath of an asessor was administred (the remainder 

worn ofl!") 

At a Meting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin June 8th 1713. 
Samuel Clark Sen'r was chosen to serve on the Grand-jury of 
Inquest. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin. Regulerly assem- 
bled on December 2d 1713. Mr Caleb Gardner jun'r did offer 
and tender freely to Give and bequeath raifie and coufirme unto 



100 

the Town of Brooklin above said, a piece of Land nigli to his 
dwelling House, Lyeing west ward therefrom on the left hand of 
the Road way Leading to Roxbuiy. where on to build a Meeting 
house for the Publick worship of God. 

Voted that Leut. Thomas Gardnar Lent. Samuel Aspinwall Mr 
Joseph White. Mr Thomas Stedman & Mr John Sever, be a Com- 
mite for the sd Town to treate with Mr Caleb Gardnar above sd 
about the Bounds of sd piece of Land, and to Desire of him a 
Legal Conveighance and Confirmation thereof to sd Town. 

Voted that the Meting-House aforesaid should be of the same 
Demensions with the Meting-House in the South-west part of 
'Roxbnry. 

Voted that Leut. Thomas Gardnar. Leut. Samuel Aspinwall Mr 
Erosamond Drew. Mr Thomas Stedman & Mr John Sever be a 
Committee to Manage the Concern or affair of Building the above 
said Meeting House. 

Voted That Mr Samuel Sewal jun'r Mr John Winchester Sen'r 
and Mr Samuel aspinwall. be a Com'ite for the Town to agree with 
Mr Cotton for a burying Place. 

Voted That Mr Samuel Sewal & Mr Peter Boylston should 
Procure a Pall or Burying-Cloth to Cover the Corps, at the Towns 
Cost, and that Six pounds be added to and Collected with the rate 
of twenty pound Granted b}' the Town to be Levied on the Inhab- 
itants in this present yeare 1713. for the defraying the charge of 
gd Cloth 

Voted that the Inhabitants in the South part of this Town may 
erect a School House there, at their own charge. 

March 1. 17|f Att a Town Meeting. Legallj^ Warned. 
Voted Josiah Winchester. Moderator 
Voted William Sharp Constable. Sworn 

Voted Josiah Winchester Samuel Aspinwal Samuel Sewall Select 
men & Assessors Sworn 



101 

Voted Samuel Sewall Town Clark 

Voted Samuel Sewall Town Treasurer. 

Voted Jonathan Winchester Henry Winchester Joshua Child 
juu'r Surve3'ers. Sworn 

Voted Thom's Gardner jun'r Samuel White Fence Viewers. 
Sworn. 

Voted Dudl}' Boylston Isaac Gardner Haj^wards or Field 
Drivers Sworn. 

Voted that the Sums of money Raised for the Keeping of 
Schools at the Three parts of the Town be distributed and pa^'-d 
to the School which each man shall improve 

Voted that Ten pounds be Granted for the Keeping those 
Schools the Ensuing 3'ear. 

Voted That One Hundred and Fifteen pounds towards the 
building of a Meeting House, be Levied by way of Rate upon the 
Inhabitants in the same wa}^ that the Province Tax is. and the 
defra^-ing all other charges. 

Voted That the First Half of the Rate of One Hundred & Fif- 
teen Pounds be Gathered by the Constable or Collector, by the 
First of June Next and the Other Half by the Last of November 
next. 

Voted That it is thought Necessary- that the South westerly- End 
of the Town have a Wa}' laid out for them b}' the sd Town. 

May 17. 1714 Att a Town Meeting Legally Warned. 

Voted. In that upon Deliberation the Inhabitants Declined 
sending a Representative upon the Acc't of their Building a Meet- 
ing House and the Great charges thereof for such a Poor Little 
Town, We the Inhabitants do desire and pray this Hon'd House 
would Excuse us this 3'ear. Inserted tliis Vote in the Return of 
the Receipt. 

Josiah Winchester & Samuel Aspinwall gave me my Oath as 
Town Treasurer May 17. 1714. 

Jmie 21 1714 Att a Town Meeting Legally Warned. To 
14 



102 

Choose a Grand jury man. Mett and did then Choose Ed Dev* - 
tion Grand jury man for the year Ensuing. 

October 5th 1714 Upon a Warrant to the Constable from tlio 
Chirk of the Superiour Court, For to choose 4 Jury men. Then 
did meet and chose Joseph Goddard & Will'm Story Grand jury 
men and Benj'm White jun'r with Ebenezer Kindrick for the jury 
of Tryals. For the Court that is to Sitt the First Tuesday in 
Novemb'r. 

Nov.hr 29//i 1714 Att a Town Meeting. Legally Warned. To 
Choose a Representative. The Inhabitants Declined sending one. 
Desireing still further to be Excused by the Great and General 
Court. 

March 21 17|f Att a town meeting. Legally' warned 

Voted Samuell^ Sewall. Samuell Aspinwall. John Seaver Select 
men & assessors. 

Voted Ilenr}' Winchester Constable for the ensuing year Sworn 

Voted Samuell Sewall Town Treasurer 

Voted John Seaver Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted Thomas Woodward, Isaac Child. Isaac Gleason. Survej'- 
ors. Sworn 

Voted Samuell Clark & Peter Gardner Jun'r fence viewers 
Sworn 

Voted Ebenezer Kindrick Peter Gardner Hawards Sworn 

Voted Joseph Goddard Leather Sealer. 

Voted that Thomas Gardner Jun'r have the timber of the old 
school house Gratis. 

Josiah Winchester S'n being Chosen assessor and Town Treas- 
urer refused to serve in said offices. 

Voted Joseph Goddard. John Druce. John Winchester J'nr to 
examine accompts of the meeting house Committee 

Voted Samuel Newel Constable, he paying three pounds money 
was excused by a vote of the inhabitants at sd meeting. 

Voted that One hundred and fifteen pounds be Levied b}' way 



103 

of nite upon the inhabitants Viz one hundred pounds toward the 
finishing the meeting house and ten pounds to be improved toward 
tlie Support of the Schools, and five pound to defraj' other neces- 
sary Charges that may arise in the town, and that the hundred 
pounds granted toward the finishing the meeting house, be gath- 
ered by the Constable oV Collector, the one half by the first of 
June and the other half b}' the first of October next. 

J]Iay 16 1715 Att a Town meeting Legally Warned 

Voted that the inhabitants decline sending a representative this 
year by reason of the charge that will arise upon building ye meet- 
ing house 

Voted Josiah Winchester Select man. Assessor and Town 
Treasurer. 

Voted that Thomas Stedman. John Winchester jun'r Joseph 
Goddar & John Druce and Benjamin White Jun'r be a Committee 
to car}- on the work of the meeting house in order to the finishing 
of it. Viz that they shall lay the lower floor and gallery floors, 
fill the walls with brick and laithe & Plaister with lime, to set up 
all the Windows and glaze them and to make and set up all the 
Doors, to be performed with convenient speed, and that they shall 
also Clapboard the house throughout. 

May 20 1715 Josiah Winchester, Samuel Aspinwall & John 
vSeaver. Sworn Assessors. 

Maiy 30 1715 Att a meeting of the inhabitants of Brookline 
on adjournment. 

Voted that the Select men shall Procure a deed of the land on 
which the old Pound stands if it maj- be obtained 

Voted that the Select men shall Cause the old Pound to be 
mended. 

Voted that Josiah Winchester. Samuel Aspinwall and Thomas 
Stedman ba a Committee to secure to the Town b}- a legal Con- 
veyance and Deed of Sale of Caleb Gardner the land where je 



104 

meeting house stands known by the name of the meeting house 
spott, Containing about a Quarter of an acre which land the said 
Caleb Gardner did agree to sell to the inhabitants of the Town of 
Brookline free from an}' incumbrance, for the sum of fifteen 
Pounds and eighteen shillings. 

Voted that the Commitee for the meeting house shall glaze the 
windows with Diamond giase. it was also Agreed upon that the 
paj'ments of the meeting house rate should be Defered one month 
longer each Payment. 

June 10. 1715 Att a meeting of the inhabitants Peter Bo^'l- 
ston chose Grand jury man 

June 19. 1715 Josiah Winchester took the oath of Town 
Treasurer 

October 31. 1715 Att a Town meeting. Legally Warned 

that whereas a Demurr being raised among the inhabitants of 
the Town Concerning the cost and manner of the Dinner that was 
Provided att the Raising of the meeting House. 

Voted that they do Allow both of the cost and manner thereof 

Voted that the meeting house be ceiled above the galleries 
forthwith. 

November 21. 1715. Att a meeting of the inhabitants of 
Brooklyn on adjournm't. 

Voted that the former meeting house Committes accompt of 
one Plundred fifty two pounds Seventeen Shillings and eleven 
pence be Allowed. 

Voted that the meeting house should be finished with all Con- 
venient speed, as soon as Workmen and matterials can be Pro- 
cured. 

Voted that the present Committe be emploj'ed to finish the 
meeting house if they se cause to accept the employment. 

Voted that fift}" pound be raised b}' way of rate in Brookline to 
Defrey the Charge of finishing the meeting house and to pay the 
Town's arrears. 



105 



Voted that there should be Allowed to constable Henry Win- 
chester thirt}' shillings as a pension for his service this year it be- 
ing a year of more than ordinary Rattes. 

Voted that there should be an open way laid out from the south 
part of Brookline (to wit) from the Koad that leadeth from 
jamacai to Erossamoud Drews saw mill along by Joshua Childs 
house to the Countrj' Road that leadeth from Roxbury to Newton 
through Brookline along b}" Leftena't Thomas Gardners house. 

March 12 1716 Att a meeting of the inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally- warned : Chose John Seaver Town clerk. Sworn. 

Voted Jos i ah Winchester senior. Town Treasurer 

Voted Samuel Aspinwal. Tho. Stedman k, John Winchester 
Jun'r Select men. 

Voted John Ackers Constable for ye ensuing j-ear Sworn 

Voted Josiali Winchester Jun'r Steven Winchester & Wra 
Davis Surveyars. 

Voted Joshua Child & Amariah Winchester fence viewers 

Voted Joseph Goddard Leather Sealer. 

Voted Wm Gleason & Amos Gates Ilawards Sworn 

Voted that the vacant room in the bod}^ of the meeting house 
below be improved for building and seting up pews thereon. 

Voted that the vacant room in the meeting house aforesd. 
whereon to erect pews be disposed of b}" sale to those persons Avho 
hy a commltte chosen by the vote of the town for that end, shall 
think meet : and consequently a committe was elected : to wit : 
Josiah Winchester sen'r Erosaraond Drew. Samuel Aspinwal. 
John Druce John Winchester Thomas Stedman & Benjamin White 
Jun'r. 

March 2G. 1716 Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklyn 
on Adjournment from march the 12th to march the 26th and then 
met. 

Voted the Delinquent Constables: Viz Caleb Gardner and 
Wm. Sharp Discharged of the penalty they had lain themselves 



106 

under by their uegglect of making up their accompts in season 
with the Town Treas'r. 

Voted Wm Sharp fort}' shillings as a gratuity- of the Town for 
his service as Constable it being a 3'ear of extraordinar}'^ Charges 
in ye town. 

Voted fort}^ pounds to be Levyed by way of rate on the Inhabi- 
tants to defrey the Charges of the Town and School. 

Voted that the Town shall keep in repair all tlie Pew Windows 
that are in the meeting house, or shall be made 3a*, for the con- 
veniency of the pews, the proprietors of the said Pews, having 
first made and finsd ym. 

Voted that under the Galleries in the meeting house be 
ceiled upon the Tow'u cost. 

Voted that those persons that are Allowed to be proprietors of 
the pews, or spaces whereon to erect pews in the meeting house 
they and their heirs shall have good and Legal right to them for- 
ever. Provided Nevertheless that if any person who is a proprie- 
tor of a Pew shall remove out of the Town so that he dwell not in 
the said Town, or if reduced to such mean circumstances that he 
or the}' do not neither are able to pay their Proportion to the 
Publick charge that arises in the Town, in either of these cases 
afore mentioned any such person or persons shall forfeit their 
right to their Pew and it shall return again to the Town to be dis- 
posed of b}^ them to any other person. — Provided that the town 
pay back again to the Last proprietor so much money as the town 
received for the spot or space whereon the pew was built and also 
the cost of building the same. 

att this meeting on adjournment march 26. 1716 the committe 
chosen by a vote of the Inhabitants of the town on the 12 of 
march to dispose of the vacant room in the meeting house and 
such for pews, the}' accordingly brought in their resolution at the 
sd meeting on adjourm and declared the same and to whom they 
had assigned the spotts for pews and they all accepted the same 



107 

and the sum or price on them laid, except Joseph White and 
Leiut. The. Gardner, 

May 8 1716 Att a meeting of the inhabitants of Brooklyn 
legaly Warned, the inhabitants Decline choosing a Representa- 
tive. 

the Town fixed the several schools precincts, to witt from A 
place knosvn by the name of Caleb Gardners walnut tree at the 
North end of the town from sd tree to Cambridge line, the center 
or middle part of the town from sd walnut tree to Newton line in- 
cluding Joseph Adams. Joseph Goddard & Ilenr}- Winchester : 
The south end of the Town taking in Samuel Newel and all the 
other families at the south end. 

June 27: 1716 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklj-n 
legaly Avarned 

Voted that the cost of mr Allins entertainment on the sabbath 
daj^s be defrayed out of the town Tresury. 

John Druce Chosen Grand Jury man for this year. 

September 26 : 1716 Samuel Aspinwall. Thoipas Stedman and 
John Winchester Jun'r were sworn Assessors. 

Stpt 28 : 1716 Josiah Winchester Jun'r: was sworn surveyor. 

December 10th 1716 Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of 
Brookline legally warned, chose mr James AUin to be our settled 
minister in sd Town. 

Voted to give mr Allin 100 pounds gratuity for settlement & 
80 pounds Sallary. att the sd meeting the town granted that the 
North end Inhabitants of sd Town of Brookline should have a 
more convenient wa}- or road to the meeting house than at present 
they enjoy : 

Fihruary 18th 17jf Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of 
Brooklyn Legally warned Chose mr James Allin to be our gospell 
minister the Town appointed seven men to treat w't mr Allin viz : 
Lieut. Thomas Gardner. John Winchester Joseph White. Ens. 
Benj. White. Josiah W^inchester. Capt. Samuel Aspinwall and 
Erosaman Drew to be a Committe. — 



108 

Voted to Allow mi* Allin if he accepted of being our settled 
minister £100 In order to settlement in way of Gratuit}' and £80 
Annnall}' by way of sallary. 

That Whereas the above mentioned Committe or the major 
part of them having treated w't the said Mr James Allin accord- 
ingl}' brought in their report to the Town att march meeting next 
following the above mentioned meeting on February 18th 17-}f 
viz : that the sd mr James Allin accepted to serve the town of 
Brooklyn as their Gospel minister or Pastor and also accepted 
what the town had offered to Allow him for sd service viz : £100 
pounds in order to settlement as a gratuity and £80 pounds by 
way of sallarj' ,p Annum : Except, that the said mr James Allin 
did request that the sd town would Allow Him some fire wood, 
upon which request the town granted him. ten cord of fire wood 
j-arly when he should be settled in said town, which appears b}' a 
vote of the town at march meeting following. 

March 18th 17 {f Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
lyn Legally warned 

Voted Josiah Winchester sen'r Capt. Sam'l Aspinwall. Benj, 
White Jun'r selectmen. 

Voted John Seaver Town Clerk sworn 

Voted mr Edw White Constable who paid the fine of £5-0-0 

Voted Robert Harris Constable excused 

Voted Thomas Cotton Josiah Winchester Jun'r Abr. Chamberlin 
Survej'ors sworn 
Voted Isaac Gardner & Samuel Clark Jr fence viewers 
Voted Joseph Goddard Town Treasurer and Leather Sealer 
sworn Treasurer 
Voted Amos Gates & Wm Gleason Hawards Sworn. 
Voted that mr James Allin have ten cord of firewood yearly 
and every year so long as he shall be our settled minister or 
Pastor in sd town of Brooklyn, which sd wood to be convej-ed to 
his house when he shall have occasion for the same, and att the 
towns cost. 



109 

Voted that the overphis of the contribution that now is and the 
luone}' that the Pew Spotts were sokl for, shall be improved to 
defrey the Towns Present. Charges 

Voted that the ministers sallarj' of £80 pounds be raised by au 
equall and Proportionable Rate Lev^^ed on the Inhabitants. 

Voted that the overplus or strangers money of the contribution 
be Delivered into the Town Treasurer for the Towns use. 

April 30. 1717 Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklyn 
legaly warned. Chose Josiah Winchester Sen'r Representative — ■ 

Voted that Erasomond Drew. John Druce. Josiah Winchester 
sen'r Cenj. White Jun'r Caleb Gardner Sam'l Clark sen'r & Wm 
Sharp be a committe to procure a burying plac3 for the use of sd 
town, if it can be obtained : 

Voted Samuel White Constable who refused to serve. 

June 24 1717. Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklyn 
Legal}' warned. Chose John Winchester Jun'r grand jury man. 
att sd meeting Sam'l White was established constable & sworn. 

Voted sd Sam'l White £2-0-0 in wa^- of gratuity for his services 
as cons'l- 

Josiah Winchester Sen'r- Sam'l Aspinwall & Benjamin White 
Jun'r Sworn Assessors for this year 1717 

7ili October 1717 Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklj^n 
Legall}- Assembled. 

Voted that 24 pound be drawn out of the publick stock to de- 
frey the Cluirges of mr Allin's Ordination 

Voted that fifteen pound be levyed by way of rate upon ye In- 
habitants to support the schools, which are in ye Town. 

Voted that the New way laid out between Isaac childs & Thos. 
Woodwards be repaired & made feizable at the Town's cost. 

Voted Jolin Winchester Sen'r Thomas Gardner sen'r Joseph 
White. Capt Aspinwall & Thos. Stedman be a Committe to seat 
the meeting House : 

Voted that the 13 day of November be the day for ordination 

of mr : Allin. 

15 



110 

November 21: 1715 (7)? Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of 
Brooklyn Legall}' Assembled, it was then voted that there should 
be Laid out an open Highway, from the Road leading from llox- 
burj' to Erosam Drew's Saw mill a crosse to Sherbourn Road so 
called, which accordinglj- was effected by the select men viz : Capt. 
Samuel Aspinwall. Thomas Stedman & John Winchester Jun'r who 
have agreed with all the proprietors, and the Damage by running 
sd way through their proprieties has been paid as appears in the 
Account Book of sd Town of Brooklyn ; The aforesd HighAva}' be- 
ginning at the Road leading from Roxbur}- to rar Drews saw mill 
as aforesd near Isaac Childs house on the east of sd house as it is 
staked out and running Northerly' through Isaac Childs land to 
the land of Samuel Newel & then turning a little toward the east 
running through the land of Joseph Dudley Esq'r then turning 
Northerly and running through or upon part of Joshua Childs 
Land being part of Bowens farm so called, then entering upon the 
Land of Thomas Woodward to the Land of Joseph White then 
turning a little toward the east running to the Land of the Heirs 
of Jonathan Torrey Late of Brookl3'n alias mud3river Deceased, 
then running Northerly to the Road or lane known by the name of 
Woodwards lane to the Road commonly known b}' the name of 
Sherbourn Road. 

That whereas at a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookl}^ Le- 
gally Assembled on the Thirtieth of April 1717 at which meeting 
a committe was chosen viz. Erosaman Drew John Druce Josiah 
Winchester sen'r Benj White jun'r Caleb Gardner Samuel Clark 
sen'r and Wm Sharp to procure a burying place to Inter the dead 
in. Accordingly brought their report that they had agreed with 
Samuel Clark Jun'r for half an acre of his land near the meeting 
house, for eight pounds to be paid b^- the town for sd half Acre of 
land. Also Agreed with sd Clark that he should have the herbage 
of sd land provided he maintain the front fence against it, but in 
case the town se cause to fence the sd burying place intire, sd 



Ill 

Clark sliall be quit from an}' charge of fencing about sd land 
either front or division. 

March 3 1717-18 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
lyn Legally' Assembled. Chose Josiah Winch'r sen'r md'r. 

Voted Josiah Winchester sen'r Capt. Samuel Aspinwall Benj'u- 
White Jun'r Thomns Stedman & John Seaver Select men 

Voted John Seaver Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted rar Samuel Sewall Town Treasurer sworn 

Voted Josiah Winchester Jun'r Constable sworn 

Voted that twenty pounds be Levyed by way of Rate upon the 
Inhabitants for mending and repairing all the highways belonging 
to the town this ^-ear. 

Voted Captain Aspinwall & Caleb Gardner surve3^ors sworn 
Voted that the surve^'ors shall receive the twenty pounds grant- 
ed to repair the highways to be disposed of at their discretion 
Voted Robert Sharp & Thomas Cotton fence viewers sworn 
Voted that the select men shall be the Assessors. 
Voted Thomas Lee Grave Digger. 

Voted William Davis and Joseph Scott Hawards sworn 
march 10. 1717-18 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of 
Brooklyn on Adjournment from march the third to march ye tenth 
and then mett. 

Voted to continue the spot of land where the old pound stands 
to be the place where to Erect a new one. 

Voted that the select men provide a sufficient pound at the 

Towns cost. 

Voted that Lieut. Thomas Gardner be the keeper of the pound 
Voted that twenty pound be lev3'ed by way of Rate upon ye In- 
habitants this year for the support of the schools. 

Voted that John Seaver have one pound and ten shillings of the 

town for his service as town clerk for three years Last past. 

Voted twenty pounds to be Levyed by waj' of Rate upon the 
Inhabitants for defrej'ing the necessary' charges of the Town this 
year. 



112 



Voted that Thomas Woodward sen'r have ten shilling paid him 
by the Town for entertaining Kathn. Ilorton 

April 29 1718 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklyn 
Legall}' warned Cliose Lt. Thomas Gardner Representative. 

The Committe Chosen to dispose of the vacant room in ye 
meeting honse whereon to Erect Pew's & to valine the same hav- 
ing concluded that Affair made their return. And b}' order of the 
select men it is here Entered ip me John Seaver Town Clerk May 
1-1718 & is as followethizr 

To Mr Sam'll Sewall the sd committe ordered that he should 
have that spott or room next the Pulpit on the west. & vallued it 
at five pounds, who accepted thereof. 

To John Winchester sen'r said committe ordered that he 
should have the next spott or room westerly of mr Sewall's & vall- 
ued it at four pounds & ten shillings who accepted thereof. 

To Capt. Sam'll Aspinwall the said Committe ordered that he 
should have that spott or room at the westerl}- Corner of the meet- 
ing house, & vallued it at three pounds and fifteen shillings who 
accepted thereof 

To Lt. Thomas Gardner the said Committe ordered that he 
should have that spott or room between Capt. Aspinwall's And 
the westerl^^ Door of the meeting house and vallued it at four 
pounds & ten shillings who accepted yr of 

To John Seaver the said Committe ordered that he should have 
that spott or room between the westerly Door of the meeting house 
& the stairs leading to the mens Gallerrie & vallued it at four 
pounds & five shillings who accepted thereof 

To John Druce the said Committe ordered that he should haA'e 
that spott or room on the left hand of the going up the stairs, into 
the mens Gallery & vallued it at three pounds & ten shillings who 
accepted thereof. — 

To Joseph Gardner the said Committe ordered that he should 
have that spott or room on the left hand of the coming in at the 



113 

Soutlierl}' Door of the meeting house & vallued it at three pounds 
&; ten shillings who accepted thereof 

To Josiah AVinchester sen'r the sd committe ordered that he 
should have that spott or room on the right hand of the coming in 
at the southerl}' Door of the meeting house & vallued it at three 
pounds & ten shillings who accepted thereof 

To Thomas Stedman the said Committe ordered that he should 
have that spott or room between Josiah's Winchester's & the going 
up into the women's Galler}^ and vallued it at three pounds and 
ten shillings who accepted thereof. 

To William Sharp the said Committe ordered that he should 
have that spott or room between the stairs leading up into the 
women's Gallery & the Easterly Door of the meeting house & 
vallued it at four pounds and ten shillings who accepted thereof. 



To Ensign Benjamin White the said Committe ordered that he 
should have that spott or room on the right hand of the coming in 
at the east Door of the meeting house & vallued it at three pounds 
who accepted thereof 

To Benjamin White Jun'r the said Committe ordered that he 
should have that spott or room between Ensign White's and Peter 
Boylston's & vallued it at four pounds who accepted thereof. 

To Peter Boylston the said committe ordered that he should 
have that spot or room at the North corner of the meeting house 
between Benjamin White's and the minister's Pew^ & vallued it at 
three pounds and ten shillings who accepted 3'r of 

The said Committe appointed the minister's pew to be next the 
Pulpit on the right hand of the going up into the Pulpit on the 
North 

August 14. 1718 Josiah Winchester, Samuel Aspinwall, 
Thos. Stedman. Benj'u White Jun'r & John Seaver were sworn 
Assessors for Brooklj'n 

Dec. 29. 1718. the select men or ye major part of them Agreed 



114 

with Amariah "Winchester to keep the Center School in Brookl3-n 
three months begining on the sd 29 of Dec. for seven pounds & 
four shillings. 

June 1718 Joseph Goddard was chosen Grand Jury man for 
said 3"ear 

att a meeting of je inhabitants of 3'e Town of Brooklyn yt was 
Legally warned on march 2d. 17|f 

Voted Edward White moderator 

Voted Joseph Gardner Henner}' Winchester & Leiu. Caleb 
Gardner Select men for ye. ensuing year & 

Voted Edward White Town clerk & sworn 

Voted JO, Select men to be Assessors & sworn 

Voted Samuell Sewall Constable he refused promised to pay the 
fine which is five pounds. 

Voted Robei-t Sharp constable & Sworn 

Voted Edward White Town Treasurer & Sworn 

Voted Capt. Samu'U Aspinwall Leiu : Caleb Gardner surve3'ers 
to work out ye money which was left ye last 3'ear of 20 pounds 
granted to repair & mend 3'e Highwayes which mone3' is about 
eight pounds the3' were Sworn 

Voted John Ackers Addington Gardner fence viewers 

Voted William Sharp Leather Sealer & Sworn 

Voted John Ta3'lor Isaac Child Hawards & Sworn 

Voted Josiah Winchester jun : sealer of weights & measure & 
sworn 

Voted the letters of ye Seal for weights & measures be B L. 

Voted that mr AUin shall have all the Strangers mone3^ deliv- 
ered into 3'e contribution Box both for 3'e time past & to come 

Voted that the charge of 3'e provision made to entertain the 
minister on 3'e fast da3'' some time 3'e last Summer to be paid out 
of the publick Stock of sd town 

Voted 15 pounds for 3^e School 

Voted 15 pounds to defray" other necessary Town charges. 



115 

The meeting yt was on ye 2d day of marcli in 17-ff was con- 
tinued until the eleventh da}' of may at 12 of ye clock at noon so 
3't the inhabitants of ye Town mought have some time to consider 
where ye most proper place would be for the v^ay yt was granted 
to the north end inhabitants on ye 10 da^^ of Decem : in 1716. to 
be a more convenient way to ^e meeting than they now enjoy to 
come into Sherbourn Road. 

The inhabitants General!}- assembled on ye eleventh daj^ of May 

Voted that the afore sd way granted to the north end inhabi- 
tants shall run from watertown Road across the Land of mr 
Thomas Cotton and so across the Land belonging to the children 
of Caleb Gardner late of Brooklyn into Sherbourn Road near to 
the Lower end of the new stone wall by an old white oak tree — 

Ma>/ 11 1719 att a meeting of ye inhabitants of Brooklyn 
Legall}' warned 

Voted yt fifteen pounds be raised by yvay of rate upon ye in- 
habitants to defray necessary Town charges 

June 1719 Thomas Stedman chose Grand jur}- man 

att a meeting of ye inhabitants of Brookl^'u Legally warned on 
march ye 9th 1720 

Voted Edward White moderator 

Voted for a com'tee to Settle ye accoumpt of ye sd Town 
com'tee Edward White James Grigs Caleb Gardner 

Voted three Select men viz Joseph Gardner Henry Winchester 
Caleb Gardner 

Voted Select men Assessors & Sworn 

Voted Edward White T Clerk sworn 

Voted Sam'll Clark constable sworn 

Voted Edward W^hite To : Treasurer sworn 

Voted to mend 3'e Highways by working each mans proportion. 

Voted but two surve^-ers ye one to mend all ye wayes belonging 
to ye north end till yy come to 3'e negro's ye other to mend all ye 
rest 



118 



Voted James Grigs for ye southerly end of sd Town & sworn 
Voted Thomas Cotton survey er for 3-e north end & sworn 
Voted Jos Adams & Joshua Stedman fence viewers & sworn 
Voted Peter Gardner Sam'U White Ilawards sworn 
Voted j-t Isaac Gardners boj's head 3't was rated through a 

mistake should be allowed to him 

Voted no treasurer to be allowed any thing for his service for 

ye time past 

this meeting is adjourned till ye 2d monda}- in ma}' att 12 

a'clock. 

upon ye adjournment. 

Voted mr Goddard 3'e one halfe of what was due to ballance his 

accoumpt 

Voted to raise 15 pounds for 3'e use of 3'e School 
Voted to allow to mr. Josiah Winchester ju 0=9=i9=:upon pep- 
pers acount 
Voted not to allow mr Jon. Winchester fort3' pounds for 3'e wa}' 

acros the land belonging to 3'e Heirs of Caleb Gardner late of 

Brooklyn. 

Voted not to allow the one pound four sh : & 9 : yt he desired 

to be allowed upon 3'e account of Town's poor 
Voted Sam'll White to (to) be allowed 12sh : 
Voted to raise thirt3' pounds to defra3^ Town charges 
Voted a com'iee : to mend the old pound & to make a new one 

against 3e next 3'ear 

Cap : Sam'll Aspinwall Sam'll AVhite Isaac Gardner com'tee 
Voted 3't 3'e Strangers & overplus moue3' yt is brought in by 

wa3' of contribution shall be brought to ye Town Treasurer for 3-6 

Towns use 

Voted to allow mr Thomas Cotton 20 pounds for a w'a3' a cross 

his Land for 3'e north end inhabitants to goe to 3e meeting to be 

an open road for 3'e towns use 

att a meeting of 3'e inhabitants of 3'e Town of Brookl3'n Legallj'' 

warned on march 3'e 0th J|f-2 



117 

Voted to have but three Select men 

Voted mr. James Grigs mr. Heueiy Winchester Leiu : Caleb 
Gardner Select men 

Voted Select men Assessors & Sworn 

Voted Edward White Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted Edward White Town Treasurer Sworn 

Voted Ebenezer Kindrick & Abraham Chamberl3-n tythingmen 

Voted Abraham Woodward constable 

Voted mr. Isaac Gardner & mr. Joseph Scot surveyers of High- 
way's 

Voted Isaac Child william Davice fence viewers 

Voted Elhanan AVinchester Leather Sealer 

Voted Joshua Stedman Addington Gardner Hogreaves 

Voted cap Aspinwall Dea : Benjamin White. Peter Bojdstone 
be a com'tee to re view ye Treasurers account & if yy find it just to 
give him afull discharge 

and then this meeting adjourned till ye second monday in may 
at ten of ye clock in ye morning. 

at a meeting of ye inhabitants of Brooklyn Legally warned on 
purpose to consider something about ye hogs of sd Town 
Voted yt ye Hogs should run at large 

A Record of ye way for ye north end inhabitants As it was Laid 

out by ye Select men viz : 

Selectmen James Grigs Henery Winchester Caleb Gardner 

it begins at wattertown Eoad & so Runs between ye farms of 

mr. Rouland Cotton & mr. Thomas Cotton all ye way in sd Thomas 

Cottons Land & so into 3'e Land belonging to ye Heirs of Caleb 

Gardner late of Brooklj'n ye first marke on ye west side heap of 

stones & Stake & from yt two rod wide to another heap of stones 

& stake East ward from yt to a walinut tree on ye east side & 

from sd tree two rod wide to wards ye west from thence on ye 

west side an Apple tree & a heap of stones on ye east from thence 
16 



118 

to Sherbourn Eoad to a heap of stones on ye east & a Rock on ye 
west 

The inhabitants being meet upon ye adjournment from 3'e 5th of 
march to the 8th of ma}' 

Voted the meeting should be adjourned until the fifteenth of 
may 

att a meeting of ye inhabitants of Brookl^^n upon an adjourn- 
ment from the 8th of may to ye fifteenth of may 

Voted to raise fifteen pounds upon Polls & estates of ye inhabi- 
tants of Brooklyn for ye use of ye Schools in sd Town for ye year 
ensuing 

Voted to Raise fifteen pounds upon Polls & estates of 3'e inhabi- 
tants of Brooklj^n to defray the Town charges for ye j-ear ensuing 

Voted yt ye constables 3't have not made up & issued yv ac- 
counts with ye Town Treasurer by 3'e 15th day of jul}^ shall pay 
5Sh. a month for 3-e Town 

Voted That mr. Jon. Winchester may Seeke his Recompence in 
the Law for the damage yt an open High way a cross the Land 
belonging to ye Heirs of Caleb Gardner ju : late of Brookl^-n may 
be to ye afore sd land 

Voted to raise three pounds in afore sd manner to be added to 
two pounds which was allowed last year toward mending ye pound 
and it being not improved for 3't end to erect & make a new pound 

Com'tee. chosen to make a new pound Cap : Aspinwal Sam'll 
White Isaac Gardner 

at a meeting of ye inhabitants of Brooktyn Legally warned & 
Assembled on 5th of June in order to Know whether or no 3'e in- 
habitants were for sending a man to represent sd Town the 3'ear 
ensuing in ye Great & General court or Assembly 

Voted to send a Representative 

at a meeting of ye inhabitants of Brooktyn legally warned & 
Assembled on monday 3'e 12th of June in 3-6 year 1721. Edward 



119 

White was legall}' chosen to Represent sd Town in a Great & Gen- 
eral court or Assemblie to be held at Cambridge for his majesties 
service. 

att a meeting of ye inhabitants of ye Town of Brooklyn on mon- 
da}' the eleventh day of Septembr legally warned 

Voted to raise sixty seven pounds fourteen Shillings upon Polls 
& estates of ye inhabitants of Brooklyn to pay for yt way which is 
to be a more convenient way for je north end inhabitants than yy 
now enjoy 

att a meeting of 3'e inhabitants of ye town of Brooklyn on Fry- 
day 3'e fifteenth day of Septemb'r Legally warned to consult what 
may be done concerning ye Towns proportion of ye Fiftie thou- 
sand pounds Likewise to chose trustees to manage ye same 

Voted to receive yr parte of 3'e fiftie Thousand pounds 

Voted to let it out to use 

Voted to let it out att six per cent 

Voted to chuse but three trustees 

Voted Edward White ye first trustee 

Voted Sam'll White 3'e second trustee 

Voted Robert Sharp 3'e third trustee 

1722 att a meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Brooklj'n 
Legall3' warned & Assembled on 3'e 5th da3' march 1722 

Voted Edward White moderator 

Voted to Have but three Select men 

Voted mr. Henery Winchester first Select man 

Voted Leiu. Caleb Gardner second Select man 

Voted vAY. Peter 603-! stone third Select man 

Voted Select men Assessors 

Voted Edward White Town Clerk 

Voted Sam'll Aspinwall Deacon White & Peter Bo3'lston be a 
committe to audit the treasurer accounts if they find them Right 
cast & well avouched to give him a full discharge from the same 



120 

Voted Edward White Town Treasurer & sworn 

Voted Joslma Child constable he refusing to serve promised 
to pay the fine 

Voted Thomas cotton constable he refusing to serve promised 
to pay the fine. 

Voted James Grigs constable & he paid his money 

Voted that it is necessary to erect a new pound 

Committ'e to Erect the same Robert Sharp Sam'll White 
Richard Gardner 

Voted the afore sd committe Get a eonvej^ance of the spot of 
Ground whereon the pound now stands of Deacon Thomas Gardner 

Voted Benjamin Gardner & Thomas Aspinwall Hogreaves for 
ye year ensuing 

Voted John Woodward & Elhan Winchester fence viewers for 
the 3"ear ensuing 

Voted Elhanan Winchester sealer of Leather 

Voted Sam'll Clark Clerk of the market 

Voted mr. Isaac Gardner survej^er of High ways for that parte of 
the Town from the negros to Cambridge line all the Highways 
conteined in that space of ground 

Voted Joseph Scot for tlie southerly parte of said Town 

Voted the consideration of making pews of the hind seat is re- 
fered to the next town meeting 

Voted to raise no money this present time but to refer granting 
of monBy to may meeting 

Voted Isaac Child constable he refused to serve promised to 
pay the fine 

Voted Amariah Winchester constable 

Voted not to Allow widow Hovey her Rates 

Voted to adjourn je meeting to the second tuesday of May att 
two a clock in ye afternoon 

att a meeting of ye Freeholders & other inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklj'n Legally warned to chose a Representative 



121 

Voted Edward White to serve for & Represent sd town in ye 
Great & general court ye year ensuing 

att a meeting upon an adjournment from ye 5th day of march to 

ye eighth da}- of May 

Voted Thomas Stedman & Joseph Addams Tything men 
Voted to excuse Leiu : Gardner from serving as Select man 
Voted mr. Sam'll White a Select man (in rome of mr. Caleb 

Gardner) for 3'e j^ear ensuing 

Voted to Raise twentie five pounds upon Polls & estates of ye 

inhabitants of ye Town of Brooklyn to defray the charges of ye 

schools in sd Town for ye year ensuing. 

Voted to raise five pounds to defray Town charges for ye year 

ensuing 

March 4 1723 

at a meeting of ye inhabitants of the Town of Brooklyn Legally 
warned & met 

Voted Edward White moderator 

Voted to have but three Select men 

Voted Henerj' Winchester first Select man 

Voted Peter Boylston second select man 

Voted Sam'll White third select man 

Voted Edward White town clerk 

Voted Edward White Town Treasurer 

Voted Cap Sam'll Aspinwall Dea Benjamin White Peter Boyls- 
ton be a committe to view the Treasurers accoumpts & if they 
find them right cast & w-ell avouched to give je sd Treasurer a 
full discharge therefrom 

Voted Amos Gates constable 

Voted Sam'll Clark junior survej^er of highways for the north 
division of ye Town of Brooklyn 

Voted Joshua child junior surveyer for the Southerly division of 
sd Town 



122 

Voted Edward Devotion & Sam '11 Newell tj-tliing men 
Voted Dudley Boj'lston & Nath'll Woodward Fence viewers 
Voted Sam'll Clark clerk of the market 
Voted Elhanan Winchester Leather Sealer 
Voted John Woodward & Nath'll Seaver Hogreavers 
Voted Select men Assessors 

Voted the select men to be a committe to Search the records 
concerning a way to mr. Joseph Goddards land or any other way 
that may be thought to be benificial for the sd Town & to lay true 
coppies of the records before the Town att their meeting in may 
next. 

Voted to have three School Houses in the Town 
Voted that there Should be trustees to manage the affairs of the 
Schools in the sd Town 

Voted that there should be two trustees to each prescint 
Voted Edward White John Winchester trustees for 3'e north end 
Voted Dea : White John Seaver trustees for ye middle 
Voted James Grigs & Joshua Child trus : for the south end 
Voted that there shall be three prescints in the sd Town 
Voted that the north prescint extend so far south as to take in 
all the land upon watertown road on both sides of the way & to 
the line to run up the new lane streight over to Roxburj'- line 

Voted that the southerly prescint extend so far north as to take 
in mr. Joseph Goddards land & so run between mr. Woodwards & 
mr. childs land taking in Sam'll Newells land & from thence 
streight to troublesome swamp bridge from thence streight to 
Newtown line 

Voted the middle parte of the Town that is not cut of by any 
prescint line to be a prescint by theirselves 

Voted that all the people that live in each prescint both their 
polls & estates shall pay to the school in the prescint where they 
live 

Voted to adjourn the meeting to the thirteenth day of may at 
three of the clock in the afternoon 



123 

May 13 1723 

at a meeting of the inhabitants of Brookl}-!! Legallj' warned to 
chuse a Representative 

Voted Edward White to serve for & Represent ye sd Town in 
the great & general court the year ensuing. 

May 13 1723. the Town being met upon the adjournment from 
march 4 1723 to may 13 1723 whereas complaint being made that 
Josiah Winchester hath set up Gates a cross a highway in the 
Town of Brooklyn 

Voted that Peter Boj-lston Sam'll White & Robert Sharp be a 
committe to treate with sd Winchester & if he refuse to open the 
sd wa}' then the committe are to take all proper steps in the law 
with sd Winchester or any other person in order to la^' the sd wa}'' 
open 

Voted to raise thirty pounds upon the Polls & estates of the in- 
habitants of the Town of Brooklj-n to defrey the charge of the 
schools in sd Town the year ensuing. 

Voted to raise tweutie pounds in the sd Town to defrey other 
necessary- Town charges for je 3 ear ensuing. 

at a meeting of 3'e inhabitants of Brooklyn on mondaj' the first 
da^' of march in yo, 3'ear 1723 :* 

Voted Edward White moderator 

Voted to have but three Select men for 3'e 3'ear ensuing 

Voted Hener3' Winchester Select man 

Voted Peter Bo3dston Select man 

Voted Sam'll White Select man 

Voted Edward White Town Clerk sworn 

Voted Edward White Town Treasurer sworn 

Voted Joseph Scot constable 

Voted the Select men to be Assessors sworn 

Voted Peter Gardner Surveyer of highways for 3'e northward 
parte of 3'e Town sworn 

Voted to adjourn the meeting for j'e space of halfe an hour 



124 

The lown being meet upon ye adjournment 

Voted Joshua Child survej'er of highways for ye south parte of 
ye Town 

Voted Sam'U Newell & John Ackers Tythingmen for ye year 
ensuing 

Voted Addington Gardner & Benjamin Winchester fence view- 
ers for ye yeav ensuing sworn 

Voted Sam'll Clark ju'r Clerk of 3'e market for ye 3'ear ensuing 

Voted Elhanan Winchester Leather Sealer for ye j^ear ensuing 

Voted Thomas Woodward jun'r & Thomas Stedman jun'r be 
Hog reaves for ye year ensuing 

Voted Select men to view the Town Treasurers accounts & if 
yy finde them right cast & well vouched to give sd Treasurer a full 
discharge there from 

Voted Sam'll Aspinwall & Caleb Gardner to be jo^-ned to ye 
afore sd committ'e 

Voted to accept of mr. Joshua Childs offer that is if mr. Joseph 
Scot doth not move out of Town he will see five pound as a fine 
for his not serving as constable forth coming to the Town 

Voted Isaac Gardner constable he paid the fine of five pounds 

Voted Wim'll Davice constable sworn 

Voted to Allow wadow Hill ye negro woman two pounds ten 
shill to be disposed of in cloathing by ye select men 

Voted to chuse four men to joyn with ye select men & ye seven 
to be a committ'e to treat with ye Winchester or an}- other persons 
yt are concerned in ye Highway 3-t is in controversy^ & if yy can 
agree upon any terms that the}' think are safe honorable & con- 
venient then ye committ'e have full power & authorit}- to agree 
with 3'e sd person if yy cannot agree then ye case to go on in the 
law 

Voted Deacon White Caleb Gardner Robert Sharpe & Edward 
White be the four men to joj'n with ye 'selectmen in ye affaire 
above 



125 

Voted to adjourn the meeting to ye second munday in May next 
ensuing at three a clock in ye afternoon 

att a meeting of ye inhabitants of ye Town of Brooklyn on mon- 
day the eleventh day of may at one a clock in ye afternoon 1724 

Voted Edward White to serve for & represent sd Town in ye 
great & general court ye year ensuing the Town being mett upon 
ye adjournment from monda}- march 1 to mondaj^ ma}' ye eleventh 
«fe then did agree to further adjourn sd meeting to the Wednesday 
sennit next following at three of ye clock in ye afternoon 

the town being mett upon ye adjournment from may 11 to 
may 20th did further adjourn sd meeting to tuesday 20 day of may 
at three of ye clock in ye afternoon 

the town being met upon ye adjournment from may 20th to 
may 26 

Voted not to raise any mone}^ this meeting 

Voted that there should be another comm'tte to examining ye 
Treasurers accoumpts 

Voted Dea White John Winchester. Robert Sharpe. Thorn : 
Cotton John Seaver be the committ's. 

Voted sd conimitt'e to begin with ye constable that was chosen 
in 3'e year 1719 

Voted Joseph White jun : Hogreave for ye year ensuing 

Voted to adjourn ye meeting to ye first monday in June the 
Town being met upon ye adjournment from May 26 to ye fii'st 
monday in June 

Voted forty pound out of ye use monej^ to be put in to hands of 
ye Town Treasurer by ye trustees for ye fiftie Thousand pounds 
& by him to be paid to ye several persons to whome ye Town 
owes so far as it will goe 

Voted thirty pounds to defrey ye remaining parte of ye charge 
allready arisen in ye sd Town 

Voted thirty pounds to defrey ye charge of ye schools ye year 

currant 

17 



12& 

Voted twentie pounds to defrey ye town charges ye yeare car- 
rant 

march 1 1724-5 

at a meeting of ye inhabitants of ye Town of Brooklyn Legally 
"warned & met 

Voted Edward White moderator 

Voted to have but three Select men 

Voted Henery Winchester first select man he refused 

Voted John Winchester select man he accepted 

Voted Caleb Gardner select man he refused 

Voted Joshua Child Select man he refused 

Voted E-obert Sharpe Select man he refused 

Voted Isaac Gardner Select man he accepted 

Voted Abraham Woodward Select man he refused 

Voted to adjourn ye meeting for halfe an hour 

ye Town being met upon ye adjournment 

Voted Joseph Addams Selectman he refused 

Voted Peter Boj'lston Select man he refused 

Voted Sam'll Sewall Select man he refused 

the question was then put wheather or no ye Town would recon- 
sider ye vote that pased in je morning to have but three Select- 
men it passed in ye Affirmative 

Voted to chose three Select men to joyne with ye Two that have 
accepted & they five to make ye selectmen for ye year ensuing 

Voted Henery Winchester & Caleb Gardner & Sam'll White be 
the three Select men to joyne with ye other two & yy all 
accepted. 

Voted Edward White T Clerk 

Voted Edward White T Treasurer 

Voted Joshua Stedman Constable he refused promised to pay 
ye fine as ye law directs 

Voted Will' am Gleason constable he took ye oath 



127 

Voted Addington Gardner & Joshua Child survejers of high 
waj-s 

Voted Cap Aspinwall Josiah Winchester Tything men 

Voted T'omas Cotton & T'omas Aspinwall fence viewers 

Voted Sam'll Clark Clerk of ye market 

Voted Elhanan [Winchester] leather sealer 

Voted Thomas Steadman & John Wedge Hogreaves 

Voted Select men Assessors 

Voted ye select men & mr. Sewall & cap Aspinwall be a com- 
mitt'e to audit ye Treasurers accomptts & if yy finde them right 
cast & well avouched to give sd Treasurer a full discharge from 
them 

Voted to Allow Kiudrick 14 shill. for some logs carried to saw 
mill 

Voted to adjourn the meeting to ye first tuesda}^ in may at two 
a clock in ye after noon 

The Town being met upon ye adjournment from ye first mon- 
da}^ in march to 3'e first tuesday in ma}^ following 

Voted leiu. Caleb Gardner to have ye care of ye pound in sd 
Town 

Voted not to raise any money untill ye debt & acredit of ye 
Town be better know 

Voted to adjourn to ye eighteenth of this instant Ma}^ yt the 
committee may have time to finde out ye debt & acredit of ye 
Town 

The Town being upon ye adjournment from ye first Tuesday of 
may to the eighteenth day of sd month The com'tte reported as 
followeth viz that the Town had 4r=:2=8 acredit 

Voted to accept of ye report of ye com'tte 

Voted to raise thirty pounds to defreay ye charges of ye Schools 
in sd Town ye 3'ear currant 



128 

Voted twentie pounds to defreaj' ye charges of je Town ye ye 
currant 

At a Town Meeting Legally Warned of the Inhabitants of 
Brooklin. 

March 1th 17f|. 

Voted Samuel Sewall jun'r Moderator. 

Voted Capt John Winchester Mr Robert Sharp Mr James 
Griggs Select men. 

Voted The three Select men to be Assessors. Sworn. 

Voted Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Clerk. Sworn. 

Voted Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Treasurer 

Voted Robart Harris Constable Refuses to serve 

Voted Addington Gardner Constable sworn. 

Voted Dudley Boylston & Benj'n Gardner Fence viewers 
sworn 

Voted Ebenezer Kindrick & Abraham Chamber lin Surveyors, 
sworn 

Voted John Goddard & John Seaver jun'r Hogreaves & field 
drivers. Refuse to serve 

Voted Elhanan Winchester Sealer of Leather Sworn. 

Voted Capt. Samuel Aspinwall & mr Josiah Winchester Tith- 
ing men. 

Voted Capt Samuel Aspinwall & Lt Caleb Gardner to joj'U with 
the Select men to view the Treasm'ers accounts & to give him a 
discharge as far as they find it right cast & well avouched. 

Voted The Select men to Gett the Deeds Granted to the Town 
by Josiah Winchester & his son Josiah Winchester jun'r con- 
firmed Acknowledged & Recorded according to Law. 

Voted The abatement of James Goddards Ministers Tax in 
Constable Amariah Winchesters Rate Granted 

Voted That the further consideration about the schools be re- 
ferred to may meeting. 

Adjourned the Meeting to the first Tuesday in may Next At one 
of the Clock in the Afternoon. 



129 

May M 1726 
At a Town Meeting Legally Warned to Choose a Representative. 
The Town being mett the}' Chose Mr Edward White to serve 
them. 

May 3d 1726 The Inhabitants being mett upon their 
Adjournment 

Voted John Goddard not to be excused but to pay his Fine 

Voted John Seaver jun'r Excused from serving 

Voted Christopher Dj'er & William Woodward Hogreaves in 
the room of them Two above. Sworn. 

Adjourned the Meeting for an Hour & then mett 

The Selectmen find the Town in Debt £9-16-0 

Voted Thirty pounds for Town Charges & Thirty pounds for the 
schools To be Levied upon Poles & Estates. 

June 1726 Joseph Adams Chose Grand jury man 

Brooklin Nov'br 16th 1726. At a Town Meeting Legally 
warned. To give there voice & vote whether they are for dividing 
the Count}^ of Suflblk yea or No. 

The Inhabitants being mett they chose Samuel Sewall Moder- 
ator ^ lifting up of their hands. 

It being proposed to them They Voted for the Division of the 
County b}' a great Majority. 

At a town meeting legally Warned, the inhabitants met 

march 6 1724 
Voted Samuel Sewall Squ. chose moderator 
Voted Mr Benjamin White ") Selectmen 
Voted Mr Robart Sharp I Assessors 
Voted Mr Caleb Gardner { Sworn 
Voted Samuel White Town Clark sworn 
Voted Samuel White Town Treasurer sworn 
Voted Thomas Woodward jun Constabel find £ 5 



130 



Voted Mr Isaac Gardner Mr William Gleason fence viewrs 
Voted Mr Edward Devotion Chose constabel and the Town by 

a hand vote excused him 

Voted Dudly Bo3'lston Constabel sworn 

Voted Samuel Newel servajer for the south part of the town 

Voted Amariah Winchester for the rest of the town } sworn 

Voted Thomas Lee and John Ellis field drivers sworn 

Voted Elhanan Winchester A sealer of leather 

Voted Thomas Woodward and Edward Devotion tithing men 

Voted John Winchester Peter Boylston Henry Winchester 

Samuel White Thomas Cotton Chose a committy to view the 

treasurers accounts and if thea find them rite cast aud well 

avouched to give him a discharge 

Voted Samuel Clark jun'r Clark of the market 

Voted this meating ajourned to the first tuesday in may at three 

in the afternoon 

may 2 1727 At A Town meating Legally warned the inhaby- 
tance met 

Voted Samuel AVhite Chose Representative for this year 

may 2 1727 the town being met upon ajournment from march 
to may second 

Voted whether the Town would build another school in the 
senter of the Town it passed to the neg 

Voted the select men with others to be a committy to prepare 
and lay before the Town at the next meating what had best to be 
done about the schools as to the number and places 

Voted Cap John Winchester Mr Edward White M Henry Win- 
chester Mr. Abraham Woodward to be added to the select men to 
a committy to bring the schools into some good method 

Voted that committy view the high waj' in convenshon and 
make there report to the town at the next meeting 

Voted that cap Samuel Aspenwall and Mr. Thomas Stedmau to 
be added to them 



131 

Voted this meating ajournd to the sixteenth of this innstant 
maj' at won of the clock in the afternoon. 

Brook At an Ajonment from may the second to may sixteenth 
the Inhabytance assembled 

the inhabitance being met there pased the following vots 

Voted that thare be but two schools 

Voted to measure the Town from Jeams Gridgses to John El- 
lises and find out the proper distances between the school houses 

Voted John Winchester Jeams Gridgs Isaac Child Samuel 
Clerk Samuell Sewell Esq be a committe to measure the Town 
and to stake the places Whare the vSchool houses are to be set. 

Voted Henrj- "Winchester Thomas Cotton Abraham Woodward 
be A committe to Erect the two school houses 

Voted to drane out nionny out (out) of the treasurry as thea 
shall want by the ordor of the select men to defray' the charges of 
building the schools 

Voted two schoolmasters one at each school four months 

a dame for each school for eight months 

Voted fourt}' pounds to be raisd upon pols and estates to de- 
fray the schools charges in the Town this year 

Voted the select men be directed to settle the highway contro- 
vercj' by Isaac Child and ordor the dark to make a faire record 
of it 

We the said committ}' that ware appojmted to measure the town 
find it five mils and twentj' eaight Rods from Jeams Gridgsis to 
John Ellises then we measured back one mile and a quarter and 
seven rod for the north school house which is some waj- in the new 
land be^^ond Waterton road the other school house to be about a 
rod and a half in the new lane between Isaack Childis and Samuel 
Newels 

BrooMyn June 27 1727 
At A Town Meeting Leagally Warned the Inhabytance met 
Mr Josiah Winchester moderateter 



132 

Voted the Town Reconsidered the vote that was pased upon 
may sixteenth about the school houses 

Voted the school houses to stand and to put masters and Mis- 
treses in them 

Brooklyn October 20 1727 
At A Town Meeting Leagally Warned the Inhabytance meet 
Voted that the select men with Mr Edward White and Mr 
Joshua Child joj^nd with them be A committy to carry on a law 
sute with some of the Inhabytance of the south part of the Town 
Voted to dray out monny out of the treasury to cary on that 
afaire 

BrooMyn March 4 1728 

At A Town Meeting Leagally Warned the Inhabytanta meet 
and past the following votes 

Samuel White Moderator 

Voted Benjamin Gardner Constable Refuse to serve find 

Voted Thomas Stedman Constable Refuse to serve find 

Voted John Goddard Constable Refuse to serve find 

Voted John Woodward Constable Refuse to serve find 

Voted Nathaniel Seaver Constable Sworn 

Voted Dea Benjamin White Cap Caleb Gardner Left Robert 
Sharpe Select men and Assessors Sworn 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted Samuel White Town Treasurer sworn 

Voted Edward White Isaac Gardner Isaac Child Sarvayers of 
highways sworn 

Voted Thomas Asspenwall John Ellis fence viewers sworn 

Voted Benjamin Boylston John Winchester field drivers or 
Hoog yards sworn 

Voted Elhanan Winchester leather sealer 

Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Edward Devotion Thomas Woodward Tithingmen 



133 

Voted Dekon White Mr. Edward White, cap Gardner Mr. 
Jeams Gridgs Mr. Henry Winchester A committy to seat the 
Meetinghouse 

Voted Edward White Isaac Gardner Thomas Cotton be A com- 
mitt}^ to overlook the Treasurers accounts 

Ajn-il 8 1728 At A Town Meeting Leagally Warned the In- 
habytants of Brookl^-n mett 

Voted Samuel White Moderator 

Voted Whether thare be three schools in the Town it past in 
the negative 

Voted Whether thare be two schools in the Town it passed in 
the negative 

Voted Whether thar be one School in the Town it past in the 
AflSrmative 

Voted the Schoolhouse to stand as near the senter as there can 
a spot of land obtain for it 

Voted thare be A committy Chose to measure the Town and 
stake the Schoolhouse Whare it should stand according to the vote 
of the Town 

Voted Mr. Edward White Mr. John Winchester Mr. peter Bojds- 
ton Mr. James Gridgs Mr. Josua Child be a committj^ With A sur- 
vair to measure the Town and find the senter as near as may be 

Voted this Meeting be A Journd to the second tuesday of may 
at two a clock in the after noon 

from the A Journment from may the second to may foux'teenth 
the Inhab3'tants of Brook met and past the following vottes 

Voted that John Goddard John Woodward Thomas Stedman 
excused by the Town from paying thare fines for not serving as 
constables this 3'ear 

Voted that the Town make an act that gees shall not go upon 
the high Wa^'s in the Town 

Voted Mr. Edward White Cap Gard Mr. Thomas Cotton be 

of this committy to make this act 
18 



134 

Voted to Except of our part of the Sixty thousand pound 

Voted Mr. Peter Boylston Josua Child Isaac Gardner be the 
Trustees to take care of the same 

Voted that the said Trustees let out not above twenty five 
pounds to any man nor under ten pounds to any man 

Voted this meting be A Jornd til the twentyeth of this instant 
may at three A clock in the Afternoon 

Voted the meeting that was Appointed the fourteenth of may be 
A Jornd til the twentieth of may at three of the clock in the 
Afternoon 

upon A Journment from May the fourteenth to may the twen- 
tyeth the Inhabytants met and past the following votes 

Voted to Except of the spot of Land that Mr. Peter Boylston 
offers to the Town to set the school house upon 

Voted to give mr. Peter Bojdston the price that he asks to that 
spot of Land to erict a schoolhouse upon which is twenty pounds 

Voted the select men to procure a deed of the spot chose for the 
school house to stand upon of Mr. boylston 

Voted Cap Gardner Mr. Isaac Gardner Samuel White be A com- 
mitty to build the school house 

Voted said schoolhouse be twenty four foot in length one 
and twenty foot in breadth seven foot betwen Joynts 

Voted the schoolhouse to be built by the first of October 

Voted to Rase one hundred ten pounds to defray the charges of 
the Town for this year forty pounds thereof for the school 

Voted this meeting be dismist 

November 25 1728 At A Town meeting leagally in Brooklyn 
the Inhabytants past theas following vottes. 

Voted to Reconcider the Vote that was pased the twentj^eth of 
may last to have but one Schoolhouse in said Town 

Voted to have two schoolhouses in said Town 

Voted one to stand in the new lane between Mr. Allins and and 



135 

watertown road beyond the bridge as near the bridge as thare can 
be A spot of land for it 

Voted the other to stand half way between Christophers Dier's 
and the corner of the lane near Thomas Woodwards in the Land 
of Samuel Whites 

Voted Edward White Caleb Gardner Robart Sharp be A com- 
mitty to Erict the north school 

Voted Abraham Woodward Thomas Stedman and Isaac Child 
be A committy to Erict the south school 

Voted this meeting be dismist 

March 3 1729 At A Town Meeting Leagalely Warned the In- 
habytants meet and past these following votes 

Voted Samuel White Moderator 

Voted Benj White Caleb Gard and Robert Sharp Select men 
and Assessors Sworn 

Voted Thomas Aspenwall constable sworn 

Voted Samuel White Town clerk sworn 

Voted Samuel White Town Tresurer 

Voted Robeart sharp Isaac Gard William Davis survairs of 
of high waj-s 

Voted Caleb Gard William Gleason fence ve3'ers sworn 

Voted Thomas Woodward and Edward Devotion tithingmen 

Voted Elhanan Winchester and Caleb Howe field drivers 

Voted Elhanan Winchester Leather sealer 

Voted Samuel Clark A sealer of Waits and Measuers 

Voted Thomas Cotton and Joshua Child and Ameriah Winches- 
ter to Loock over the Treasurers Accounts 

Veted Sam'll Aspenwall Excused from paying pool money for 
the year past 

Voted thare be A mistris in each school house fore months 

Voted Edward White fence viewer for the Insuing year 

Voted this Meeting be dismist 



136 



At A Town Meeting upon the twentieth of May 1 729 the Town 
pased these following votes 

Voted Samuel White Representative for this year 

Voted to rais thirty pounds of money to be raised upon pols 
and estates 

Voted the select men to dispose of the timber that was for the 
new schoolhouse to the best Advantage 

Voted to Excuse Robert "Woodward Fetter Allard Pheby Wilbar 
William Easson paj^ing there rates to Cons Gardner 

Voted this Meeting be dismist 

March 2 1730 At A Town Meeting leagerlly Warned the In- 

habytants meet 

Voted Samuel White moderator 

Voted Mr. Benja White Mr. Caleb Gardner Mr. Thomas Cotton 

Select Men Assessors sworn 
Voted Elhanon Winchester Cons paid his money 
Voted Samuel White Town Clerk and treasurer sworn 
Voted Thomas Stedman Constable and Sworn 
Voted Joseph White and William Davis and Samuel Craft 

servairs of high Ways 

Voted Samuel Clark and Benjamin Gardner fence vewers 

Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Markit 

Voted Abraham Chamberling Ebenezer Kindrick hawards 

Voted Elhanon Winchester Sealer of Leather 

Voted Edward Devotion Thomas Woodward tithingmen 

Voted to Keep school ten months this year five months with 

two Mistresses one in each school, and five months with A master 

ten weeks in each school 

Voted that Abraham Woodward Elhanon Winchester and Wil- 
liam Gleason be A comitty to provide A schoolmaster and school 

mistreses for the present year 

may 11 1730 At a Town Meeting Leagually warned they 



137 

meet and Voted to rase forty pounds upon pools and Estates to 
defray the charges of the schools for this year 

At A Town meeting in Brooklyn June first 1730 

Toted Samuel White Representative for this year 

Voted to Improve the Remander of the youse money coming 

to the Town from the fifty thousand pound lone for the youse of 

the Town 

BrooUy March 1 173^ 
At A town Meeting Leagually Asembled 
Voted Cap Caleb Gardner Moderator 

Voted Dea Benja White Cap Caleb Gardner Mr. Abraham Wood- 
ward Select Men and Assessors Sworn 
Voted John Goddard Constable Sworn 
Voted Samuel White Town Clerk Sworn 
Voted Samuel White Town Treasurer 

Voted Abraham Chamberling Edward Devotion tithingmen 
Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Markit 
Voted Elhanon Winchester A sealer of Leather 
Voted Timothj' Harris and Caleb Winchester Howards sworn 
Voted Samuel Craft and John Ellis jun fence youers sworn 
Voted Benja Gard Thomas Aspenwall Survaiors sworn 
Voted Cap John Winchester Deakon Cotton Isaac Gardner to 
view the Treasurrers Accompts 

Brooklyn May 11 1731 
At A Town Meeting Leaguall Warned and Mett 
Voted Mr. Benja White Representative for the Insuing year 
Voted Cap John Winchester Moderator 

Voted that thare be rassed Thirty pounds upon pools and Estats 
for the Towns use for the lusuing 3'ear 

Voted Mr. Elhanon Winchester Select Man and sessor sworn 
Voted Mr. John Goddard to draw out of the Treasurery the sum 



138 

of Nine pounds to purcliise a more conveanant way to meeting 
and other conveanances 

Voted that their be Raised forty pounds upon pools and Estates 
for the Reve. Mr. Allin for this present year. 

March 6 173^ At A town Meeting of the Town of Brooklyn 
the following vots were past. 

Voted Cap Edward White Moderator 

Voted Dea Benja White Mr. Robart Sharp Mr. Elhanon Win- 
chester Select Men and Assessors 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk sworn 
Voted John Woodward Constable Refused to Except 
Voted Samuel Craft Constable Refused to Except paid his 
fine 

Voted Thomas Lee Constable Refused to Except 
Voted Joseph White Constable Sworn 
Voted Samuel White T Treasurer gave bonds sworn 
Voted Thomas Aspenwall Benjamin Gardner Sam'll Newel 
surveyers of highways Newel sworn 

Voted Henry Winchester Isaac Child Tythingmen 
Voted John Winchester jun John Seaver fenceviewers 
Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 
Voted Elhanon Winchester leather sealer sworn 
Voted Christopher Dier Danniel Harris Hawards or field 
drivers 

Voted Isaac Gardner William Davis. William Gleason A com- 
mitte to Examing the treasurers Accompts and Lay before the 
Town the Estate of the Treasurry at next may meeting 
Voted to Abate James Davis his Rates for the year past 
Voted this meeting be A Journed to the Eight of next may at 
two Aclock in the Afternoon 

May 8 1732 At a Town meeting of the Inhabj-tants of 
Brookh-n 
Voted Cap Edward White Moderator 



139 

Voted to raise thirty pounds upon pols and Estates for defray- 
ing Town charges for the Insuing year 

May 22 1732 At A Town Meeting Legally Warned the Inhabi- 
tants of Brookly Assembled and passed the following votes 

Voted Mr. Robert Sharp Moderator 

Voted John Winchester jun and Benjamin Boylston fence 
viewers 

Voted not to build Another Schoolhouse 

Voted the school houses stand as the}' now doe 

Voted there be A master to Keep school four months in said 
school houses this year 

Voted there be no Mistres this j-ear 

Voted To Give the Reverand Mr, James Allin forty pounds over 
and above his Stated psallery for the present year 

Att a Town Meeting of the inhabytants of Brooklyn Septem- 
ber the 27 1732 the inhabytants passed the following votes 

Voted Samuel White moderator 

Voted to Raise fifteen pounds upon pools and Estates upon 
the Inhabytants to defray the charge of the Schools for the 
year currant 

March 5 1733 Att A Town Meeting Leagaully Warned the 
Inhabitants of Brooklyn Assembled and passed the following rotes 
viz : 

Voted Samuel White Moderator of said Meeting 

Voted Cap Edward White Cap John Winchester Mr. Isaac Gard- 
ner Mr. Samuel Clark Mr. Joshua Child Select Men and Asses- 
sors and Sworn 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted Samuel White Town Treasurer 

Voted John Ellis Constable he refuseth to serve and will pay 



140 

his money and Joseph White Excepting to be Cons for six pounds 

and also Sworn 

Voted Mr. John Druce Mr. William Davis tythingmen 
Voted Mr. Thomas Aspenwall Surveaire of high ways for the 

north end of the Town sworn 
Voted Mr. Ammeriah Winchester and mr. Abraham Woodward 

Surveairs for the middle and south end of the Town sworn 
Voted Mr. Solomon Hill and Thomas Corbet Hogreaves 

Sworn 
Voted Mr. Nathaniel Seaver and Mr. Benjamin Boylston fence 

veiors 

Voted Mr. Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 
Voted Mr. Elhanan Winchester Leather Sealer 
Voted Mr. Cotton Mr. Woodward Mr. Gleason A commete to 

view the Treasurers A compts and make report to the Town at 

may Meeting 

Voted this Meeting be dismist 

May 16 1733 At A Town Meeting in Brooklyn the Town 
voted the following votes 

Voted to Rais forty pounds upon Pools and Estates to Defray 
Schools and Other Charges 

Voted to Rais forty pounds upon pools and Estates for Mr. 
Allin for this year over and A bove what the Town allows yearl}^ 

Voted to Acquit Cons Boylston from Allards Chamberliugs and 
Sauigses Rates, then this Meeting dismist 

At A Town Meeting in Brbokly August Eight 1733 Samuel 
White Moderator 

voted Whither it be the mind of the Town to Joyn with the 
Country Towns of this County to be made into A seperate County 
from Boston it passed in the Affirmative. 

At A Town Meeting in Brooklyn March the fourth 173| 

Voted Samuel White Moderator of sd Meetting 



141 

Voted Cap Sharp Samuel White Mr Abraham Woodward the 
Select Men Assessors Sworn 

Voted Benjamin Bo^'lston Constable Refuseth to serve in sd 
office 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk and Treasurer 

Voted Cap White Surveair of high ways for the North end of 
sd town 

Voted Henr}' Winchester Surveyors of high ways Refuseth to 
serve 

Voted Elhanan Winchester Surve3'or of high waj^s for the Mid- 
dle part of the town 

Voted William Davis Surve3'or of high ways for the South part 
of sd town 

Votel James Gridgs and Samuel Clark Tithingmen 

Voted Ebenezer Kindrick and Caleb Hovey hogreaves and 
sworn 

Voted Elhanan Winchester leather sealer 

Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Dea'n Cotton William Gleason Isaac Child to Over Look 
the Treasurers Accounts and the former trustees Accounts and 
make Report at may Meeting to the Town 

Voted Timothy Harris Constable 

Voted to Rais ten pounds upon Pools and Estates to procure 
powder and Ammunition 

Voted this meeting to be AJoyrnd to the Second munday of 
this Instant march at two of the Clock in the afternoon 

At a Town Meeting in Brookly upon an AJoyrnment from 
March the fourth to March the Eleventh the Inhabitants Meet 

Voted Timothy Harris Constable 

Voted William Davis Surveyor of high Ways 

then this meeting AJoyrnd until Monda}' the Eighteenth of 

this instant Month at five of the clock in the afternoon and then 

meet 

19 



142 



Voted John Harris Cons who refiiseth to Serve in sd office 
paid his fine 

Voted Josiah Brown Constable for the Ensuing year Sworn 

At a Town Meeting May 17 1734 

Samuel White Moderator 

Voted to Send no Kepresentative this year 

Voted to Give Mr. Allin forty pounds Over and Above his 
P Sallery for this present year 

Voted to Rais Sixt}^ pounds to Defray Town Charges for this 
3-ear 

Voted to Abate Joseph Gardner Abraham Chamberlings and 
Josua Stedman Widow Corbitts Rates for Last year 1733 and sd 
Cham two years past 

Voted to Choose A commity to seat the Meeting house five in 
sd commity 

Voted Dea White Dea Cotton Cap White Cap Sharp Cap Win- 
chester 

Voted for the hogs to go at large in sd town this present year 

Voted this Meeting to be AJournd with out Day 

At A Town Meeting in Brooklyn March 3 1735 
Samuel White Moderator 
Voted to Chuse three Select Men 

Voted Samuel White Cap Robert Sharp Mr. Abraham Wood- 
ward Select Men and Assessors sworn 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk and Town Treasurer 
Voted Josiah Brown Constable for the Ensuing year sworn 
Voted Isaac Gardner William Gleason fence Veyers sworn 
Voted Joseph Winchester Moses White Hogreaves 
Voted Edward Devotion Ebenezer Kindrick Tithingmen 
Voted Elhanan Winchester Leather Sealer 
Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 
Voted William Gleason Sui'veyer of hemp and flax 



143 

Voted Daniel Harris Constable who refuseth to serve 
Voted Benjamin White Jun Constable who refuseth to serve 
Voted Dea Thomas Cotton Isaac Gardner William Gleason to 

view the Treasurers Accompts and bring in the debt and creadit 

of the Town at Ma^^ meeting 

then this Meeting ajournd with out day 

Ifay 19 1735 
At a Town Meeting in Brooklyn 
Voted to Give Mr. Allin forty pounds 
. Voted to Rais sixty pounds to Defray the charge of the Town 
upon pols and Estats this present year 

At A Town INIeeting in Brooklyn INIay 25 1735 
Voted Samuel White Representative 
Voted to Let the hogs go at Large this year 
Voted Caleb Hovey and Christopher Dyer hogreaves the j-ear 
currant sworn 

Brooldy7i March 1 173| 
At a Town Meeting- 
Voted Samuel White Moderator 
Voted to Chouse three Select Men 
Voted Mr. John Seaver Cap John Winchester Mr; Isaac Gardner 

Select ]\Ien refuse to serve 
Voted Mr. Sam'll Clark Cap White Samuel White Mr. Henry 

Winchester Select men 

Voted Samuel White Cap Edward White Cap Robert Sharp 

Assessors 
Voted John Seaver jun Constable Refused to serve 
Voted this Meeting be Ajournd till wedenesda^^ next at one of 

the clock afternoon 

March 3 173| the Inhabitants of Brooklyn Meet upon 
aJournment 



144 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk 

Voted Samuel White Town Treasurer 

Voted Mr. William Gleason Mr. Nathaniel Seaver Mr. Joshua 
Child Surveirs of high Wais Sworn 

Voted Mr. Benjamin Gardner Mr. Joseph White I'enceviewers 
Sworn 

Voted Daniel Harris constable 

Voted Mr. Samuel Craft Mr. John Harris Hogreves Sworn 

Voted Mr. Joseph Adams Mr. John Acars Tithing Men 

Voted Mr. William Gleason Surveir of Hemj) and flax Sworn 

Voted Mr. Elhanan Winchester A sealer of Leather 

Voted Mr. Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted to Give Abraham forty Shillings for serving as 

Jury Man 

Voted Mr Joshua Child mr. Thomas Aspenwall Mr. John Gordon 
A commity to Over Look the Treasurers Accomps and bring in 
the Debt and Credit of the Town at may Meeting next 

Voted this March Meetting AJourned without day 

At A Town Meetting May 11 1736 

Samuel White Representative for the Ensuing year 

Voted Samuel White Moderator 

Voted to give Mr. Allin forty pounds this 3'ear over and above 
His settled yearly Psallery 

Voted to Raise sixty pounds upon pools and Estats to Defray 
the nesessary charge that maj' arise in the Town for the present 
year 

At A Town meeting in Brooklyn 27 of Novem 1736 

Voted that the Town would do nothing to wards maintaining of 

John Ellis because it was thought more proper for His relations to 

take cair of him at present 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned without day 



145 



Brooklyn March 7 173f- 

At A Town Meeting Leagally Warned the Inhabitants meet 

Voted Samnel White Moderator 

Voted to Chouse three Select Men 

Mr. John Seaver Mr. Isaac Gardner Cap John Winchester 
Select Men Assessors Sworn 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk and Town treasurer Sworn 

Voted John Seaver juii Constable who refused to serve 

Voted Nathaniel Stednian Constable who refuseth to serve 

Voted William Gleason Constable Sworn 

Voted Samuel Craft Samuel Newell John Woodward Surveirs 
of high wais 

Voted Thomas Woodward Benjamin White juu fenceviewers 
for this 3'ear sworn 

Voted Joshua Stedman Ebenezer Kindrick Hogreives 

Voted Edward Devotion Ebenezer Sargent tithingmen 

Voted William Gleason Surveir of Hemp and flax 

Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Elhanan Winchester Sealer of Leather 

Voted the Select Men A commity to Loock out for A woodlot 
for the benifit of the Town and know the price there of and make 
Report to the Town as sone as may be 

Voted Elhanan Winchester Samuel Clark Joseph White A 
Commity to Look over the treasurers accounts and bring in the 
Debt and Creadit of the Town at May Meeting Next 

Brooklyn May IG 1737 at a town meeting in Brooklyn 

Voted Samuel White Representative 

Voted to Give Mr. Alliu forty pounds this year more than his 
settled psalary 

Voted to Rais seventy pounds to defray the charges of the 
Town this year 

Voted that the Town take porsession of the forfited pewes 
namely Mr. Joseph Gardners Mr. Peter Boylstons 



146 

Voted to cut up the four liinds seats below two of the mens seats 
and two of the Womans seats in order to make pewes 

Voted to Chouse a committy to order the Afair concerning the 
pews and think of sutable persons to have the same 

Voted Mr. Henry Winchester Dea White Cap White Mr. Abra- 
ham Woodward Mr. Benjamin Gardner Cap Winchester Mr. 
Joshua Child be A commity for that porpus and make report to 
the Town of there doings thearin 

Voted to allow the hogs in sd Town to go at large this present 
year 

Voted this Town Meetting be Ajourned to the first Munday in 
June next at four of the clock in the after noon 

At A Town Meetting upon the sixth of June upon ajourn- 
ment from the sixteenth of May Last A committy being Chose to 
Regelate the pews that are forfited sd comitty agreed not upon 
&nj Report the town proseded and Chose a new Committy 

Voted Deaken White Cap Whinchester Mr. John Seaver Mr. 
Joseph Adams Mr. William Gleason to be A committy to Order 
the pewes and spots to Erect the pewes upon to such persons as 
they think proper and to set the price there on and make Report 
thereof to the Town for there Exceptance or Refuseall upon Mun- 
day the thirteenth day of this instant June 

Voted this Meeting be AJourned to the thirteenth day of June 
at five of the clock in the after noon 

Brooklyn June 13 1737 the Inhabitants of Brooklyn Meet Ac- 
cording to there AJournment from the sixth of June to the 
thirteenth day of sd month : the Above sd Committy made Re- 
port Concerning the deserted pews and the Other Spots in the 
meetting house to Erict pews upon is as followeth Viz Justice 
Samuel White he and His Heirs for Ever shall have the deserted 
pew formerly Joseph Gardners sd White paying into the Town 
Treasury twenty pounds for the same 



147 

That Doc Zabdial Boylston have the Deserted pew that was his 
Brother Peter Boylstons to him and his Heirs for Ever he paying 
into the Town Treasury twenty two pounds 

that Henry Winchester he and His Heirs for Ever shall have 
that half of the spott on Which the Womans to hindmost seats 
are Ericted upon : in the body of the meetting house next the 
Alley Going to the pulpit the broad alley sd Winchester paying 
into the Town Treasury for the same thirteen pounds that Abra- 
ham Woodward he and his Heirs for Ever shall have the Other 
half of sd Spot where the two hind most seats stand in the 
Womans half he paying to the Town Treasurer ten pounds. 

that Samuel Clark he and His Heirs for Ever shall have half of 
the Spott on Which the two hinds seats of the Mens Seats are 
Erected Next the broad alley leading to the pulpit sd Clark paying 
into the Town Treasury the sum of thirteen pounds for the 
same 

That John Goddard he and His Heirs for Ever shall have that 
half spott of the mens two hinds seat next the stairs leading up 
Galery sd Goddard paying in to the Town Treasury ten pounds 

BENJ WHITE 
JOHN WINCH [ESTER] 
Committy JOHN SEAVER 
JOSEPH ADAMS 
WILLIAM GLEASON 

The Town Taking the above sd Committys Report into Consid- 
eration and passed the following Votes. 

it was put to the Town by the Moderator of sd meetting Whether 
the pew that Was formerly Peter Boylstons Should remain in the 
hands of sd Town to be Disposed of as the Town may hear after 
see cause it pased in the affirmative 

it Was put to the Town by the moderator Whether Mr. 
Henry Winchester should have that spott or Room in the Meetting 
house to Erect a pew upon according to the Report of the above 
sd Commity it passed in the Affermative 



148 

it Was put to the Town by the Moderator Whether Mr. Abra- 
ham Woodward should have that spott or room in the meetting 
house to Erect a pew upon according to the report of committy it 
passed in the Aflfermitive 

it Was put to the Town b}^ the moderator Whether Mr. Samuel 
Clark Should have that Spott or room in the meeting house to 
Erect a pew upon according to the report of the commity it 
passed in the Affermitive 

it Was put to the Town by the Moderator Whether Mr. John 
Goddard should have that spott or Room in the Meetting house to 
Erect a pew upon according to the Report of the Commity it 
passed in the Affermitive 

it Was put to the Town by Cap Winchester one of the Select 
Men Whether Samuel White should have that pew that was former- 
ly Mr. Joseph Gardners according to the report of Commity it 
passed in the Affermitive 

it Was also Voted b}- the Town that these severall pewes or 
Spotts to Erect pews upon should be under the same regulation 
that the former pews ware in our sd Meetting house Viz that if 
anv of the sd persons or proprietors of sd spots or pews Remove out 
of Town so that the}" Dwell not in sd Town or are reduced to such 
mean surcomstances that they are not able to pay there rates or 
tax in sd Town in Either of these Cases there pew or pews shall 
Return to the Town again the Town paying to sd proprietors so 
much money as the spots and pews cost them : Samuel White 
Town Clerk 

Voted to Abate Cons Brown forty shillings of the rats commited 
to sd Brown to collect 2 

At A Town Meetting in Brooklyn March Sixth 173 J 
Voted Samuel White Moderator of sd Meetting 
Voted to Choose five Select Men Cap Robert Sharp Mr. Wil- 
liam Gleason Mr. Benjamin Gardner Mr. Thomas Aspenwall Mr. 
Nathaniel Seaver Select Men 



149 

Voted Cap Sharp Benj Gard Thomas Aspenwall Assessors 

Sworn 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk and Town Treasurer 
Voted Edward Devotion Samuel Newell Tithing men 
Voted Nehemiah Davis Constable sworn 

Voted Daniel Harris and Timothy Hai*ris fenceveiers 
Voted Solomon Gardner and Nathaniel Gardner Hogreaves 

Sworn 

Voted William Gleason Surveir of Hemp and flax Sworn 
Voted Abraham Woodward Joseph Adams John Ellis Sur- 

vairs of High wais 

Voted Elhanan Winchester Leather sealer 

Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Dea Cotton Joshua Child Abraham Woodward Com- 

mity to Look over the Treasurers accounts and make Report there 

of at may meeting 

Voted this Meetting to be Dismissed 

At A Town Meeting in Brooklyn May 15 1738 

Voted to Rais Eighty pounds to Defray the Charge of the 
Schools and Other Town Charges 

Voted that the Country Towns of this County be A seperate 
County from Boston 

Voted to Abate Cons Harris one pound nineteen shillings of 
His Rates Commited to him to collect 1 19 

BrooUyn March 5 173f 

At A Town Meetting of the Inhabitants of Brooktyn 

Voted Samuel White Moderator 

Voted to chuse the Town Officers by the Majoret}' of the Votes 

Voted to chuse three Select Men 

Voted Samuel White Cap Sharp Mr. William Gleason Select 

Men 

20 



150 

Voted the Select Men to be Assessors for the Ensuing year 
Voted Solomon Hill to be Constable sd Constable Sworn 
Voted Samuel White Town Clerk and Town Treasurer 
Voted Nathaniel Seaver and Joseph White to be fenceveiers 
Voted Abraham Woodward Thomas Aspenwall Solomon Gard- 
ner surveirs of high wa3'S 

Woodward for the south part of the Town 
Aspenwall for the North part of the Town sworn 
Gardner for the middle of sd Town 

Voted Ebenezer Sargant Nathaniel Stedman Hogreaves 
Sworn 

Voted to Abate Ebenezer Kindricks and Joshua Stedmans 
Rates for the 3'ear 1738 

Voted Mr. Cotton Mr. Child Mr. El'n Winchester to Look over 
the Town Treasurers accounts and bring in the Debt and Credit 
of sd Town at May Meetting 

Voted sd Town meetting to be dismist. 

Samuel White T. Clerk 

At A Town Meetiug in Brooklyn May 15 1739 

Chose Samuel White Representative 

Voted to Give Mr. Allin forty pounds more this year than his 
settled Psalery and four contributions for this present year 

Voted to Rais Eighty pounds for this present year to defray IJie 
Charges of the Schools and other charges of the Town 

Voted that Samuel White our Representative put in a pertition 
into the General Court for a tract of Land for a school farm 

Samuel White T Clerk 

At a Town Meeting in Brooklyn March 3 1740 
Voted Samuel White Moderator 
Voted to chouse three Select Men 

Voted Samuel White Cap White Mr. Henry Winchester Select 
Men & Assessors 



151 

Voted Mr. John Goddard Constable for the present year 
sworn the Town paying to sd Goddard Eight pounds for his ser- 
vis this year 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk and Town Treasurer sworn 

Voted Cap Sharp Surveir for the North End of the Above sd 
Town 

Voted Solomon Gardner Surveir of high wais for the Middle of 
sd Town 

Voted Danniel Harris Surveir for the south End of sd Town 

all Surveirs of high wais are Sworn 

Voted Nathaniel Seaver Joseph White fence viewers sworn 

Voted Joshua Stedman Nathaniel Kindrick Hogreives for this 
year 

Voted Ebenezer Sargent and Ebenezer Kindrick Tithing Men 

Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Elhanan Winchester Sealer of Leather 

Voted Mr. John Seaver Mr. William Gleason Mr. Isaac Child 
be a Commity to Look Over the Treasurers Accounts and bring 
the Debt and Credit of the Town to May meeting 

Voted this Meeting to be Dismist 

Samuel White Town Clerk 

Broaiklyn May 22 at a Town Meeting 

Voted the Town would not send a representative this year 

Voted to Rais Eighty pounds upon pools and Estates to defray 
the Schools Charges and purches a Town stock of ammonishon 

Voted to Give Mr. Allin forty .pounds more than his fixed Psal- 
er}' and four contributions for this present year 

Voted the Hogs to goo at Large in the Town of Brooklyn the 
year Insuing 

Voted this meeting to be dismist 

Samuel White T Clerk 



152 

Brooklyn March 2 17|^ 

At A. Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklyn Regulerly 
assemblerl 

Voted Samuel White Moderator of sd Meeting 

Voted to Choose three Select Men 

Voted Samuel White Mr. Thomas Aspenwall Mr. William Davis 
Select Men for the Ensuing 3^ear and Assessors 

Voted Mr. John Newell Constable for the j'ear ensuing sworn 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk 

Voted Samuel White Town Treasurer Sworn 

Voted Cap Robert Sharp Ebenezer Sargant Abraham Wood- 
ward Surveirs of high ways : Sharp for the North End of sd 
Town : Sargant for the middle of sd Town and Woodward for the 
south End of the sd Town 

Voted Nathaniel Seaver Joseph White fenceviewers 

Voted Elhanan Winchester sealer of Leather 

Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Cap Edward White Mr. John Seaver Mr. Elhanan Win- 
chester be A committy to Loock Over the Treasurers Accounts and 
bring in to the Town the Debt and credit of the Town to the next 
May Meeting 

Voted this Meeting to be dismist 

May 18 1741 

Cap Edward White Chose Representative 

Voted our Representative to be paid in Land Bank or Manufac- 
tury Money for serving the Town as Representative this j'ear 

Voted Samuel White Moderator for sd Meeting 

Voted to Give Mr. Allin forty pounds over and above his fixed 
psaller}^ for this year and four contributions 

Voted to Rais upon pools and Estates one Hundred and twenty 
pounds to Defray the Charges that may arise in the Town this 
present year 



153 

Voted it be the minds of the Town to pay the Town Rates in 

manufactur}' money Exclusive of Mr. Allins Money 

Voted for the hogs to go at Large this present year 

Voted Doc Zabdial Boylston and His Heirs to have the pew that 

was Peter Boystons he pa^'ing to the Town Treasurer twenty two 

pounds for the use of sd Town 

Samuell White T Clerk 

At A Town Meeting in Brooklyn June 22 1741 

Voted that the Representative that served the Town this Pres- 
ent year at the General Court shall be Paid his wages out of our 
Town Treasure}'^ 

Voted Samuel White Representative for this present year 

Brooklyn At A town Meeting Legally Warned the Inhabitants 
Mett March 1 174i 

Chose Moderator Samuel White 

Voted to chuse three select men 

Voted Edward White Samuel White Thomas Aspenwall Select 
men and Assessors sworn 

Voted Moses White Constable for the year Ensuing sd White 
refused to serve paid five pound fine 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk and Town Treasurer 
sworn 

Voted Isaac Child Solomon Hill William Akars Surveirs of 
high wais sd Child for the south part of the Town sd Hill for 
the North part of the Town sd Ackars for the middle of sd town 
sworn 

Voted Robert Sharp Jun Samuel Gleason hogreves for this 
year 

Voted Henr}^ Sewell Solomon Gardner fence viewers sworn 

Voted Edward Devotion Ebeuezer Kindrick tithing Men 

Voted Samuel Sewall Esq Cap Sharp Joshua Child A commity 
to Looke over the Town Treasurers accounts and bring to the 
Town the Debt and Credit of sd Town at may Meeting 



154 

Voted to Except of the high "Way lade out by the Select Men of 
sd Town of Brooklyn through the Land of Daniel Harris and John 
Harris by Daniel Harrises house up the hill till it meet with a 
high way Laid out b}^ the Select Men of Roxbury Leading unto 
Zacariah Chandlers 

Voted this meetting be Ajournd unto the lifteenth day of March 
at three of the clock in the After Noon 

Samuel White T Clerk 

At an AJournment from March the first unto March 15 174^ 
the Town meet & the question was asked Mr. Moses White 
whether he would serve as constable he refused to serve paid 
his fine 5 pounds : the question was put whether the Town would 
prosead to chouse another Constable 

Voted in the Negative 

Voted to hire a constable and A collecter for this year 

Voted Joseph White Constable for the year currant Sworn 

Voted the Town to Give sd White 2 pounds for his service for 
being Cons and paid the monej'^ to sd White 

Voted Abraham Woodward Collecttor for the Ensuing year 
Sworn 

Voted the Town to pay sd Woodward six pounds for sd servis 
of being Collecter he being paid three pound upon the spot and 
three pounds more to arrive 

Voted the Select Men be impowerd to gitt the money reim- 
bursed where they can find the same, that the Town paid for the 

Indian womans sickness 

Samuel White T Clerk 

At a Town Meeting in Brooklj'n 1742 May 18 the Inhabitants 
Meet 

Voted Cap White Representative 
Voted Cap White Moderator 



155 

Voted to Give Mr. Allia forty pounds Old tenner Bills as A 
Gratuity for the Ensuing 3'ear 

Voted that there shall be four quarterly contributions for Mr. 
Allin for the year Ensuing 

Voted to Raise One Hundred and twenty pounds for Schools 
and Other Charges in the Town the Ensuing 3'ear 

Voted to Chuse A Commity to finde the most Convenant spot to 
Erect a schoolhouse for the benifit of the whole Town 

Voted Mr. Isaac Gardner Mr. Ebenezer Davis Mr. Joshua 

Child for that commity 

Samuel White T Clerk . 

BrooMyn March 7 174f 
At A Town Meetting Legally Warned the Inhabitants Meet 
Voted Majer White Moderator 

Voted Majer White Samuel White Mr. Abraham Woodward 
Select Men 

Voted Samuel White Town Treasurer and Clerk sworn 
Voted Mr. Isaac Winchester Constable sworn 
Voted Mr. William Ackers Surveyor for the Middle part of 
sd Town 
Voted Mr. Samuel Gleason survej-er for the North End 
Voted Mr. John Newell Survej^er of high ways for the south 
part of sd Town 

Voted Mr. Benjamin Gardner Mr. Ebenezer Davis Mr. Nathan- 
iel Seaver Assessors for sd Town for this year Sworn 

Voted Mr Edward Devotion Mr Ebenezer Kindrick Tithing 
Men for sd Town 

Voted Mr. Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 
Voted Mr. Elhanan Winchester Leather Sealer 

BrooMyn May 16 1743 upon A Town meeting 
Voted Samuel White Representative 

Voted Majer White Moderator for a meeting after Representa- 
tive chose 



156 

Voted to Rais upon pools and Estates one hundred and thirty 
pounds to defray the Charges of the poor and Schools for the 
Ensuing j^ear besides Other Charges 

Voted to Give Mr. Allin fifty pounds besides his settled psal- 
lery : and four Contributions this year 

At A Town Meetting in Brooklyn July 2 1743 

Majer White Moderator 

Voted Cap John Winchester Cap Robert Sharp Mr. Thomas 
Aspenwall Mr. Samuel Craft Mr. Ebenezer Davis Mr. Isaac 
Gardner Mr. Joseph White Mr. Benjamin Gardner Mr. Joshua 
Child Mr. Henry Winchester Jurymen for Superier Court the 
rest of the Men in the Other Box for Juriorj^ of Inferiour Court 

Samuel White T Clerk 

At A Town Meeting March 5 174| -Leaguelly warned 

Voted Samuel White Moderator 

Voted to Chuse three Select Men 

Voted Samuel White Doc Boylston Thomas Aspenwall Select 
Men 

Voted Benjamin Gardner Ebenezer Davis Nathaniel Seaver 
Assessors for the Ensuing year sworn 

Voted Robert Sharp Jun Constable sworn 

Voted Nathaniel Stedman Thomas Aspenwall William Davis 
Surveirs of high ways sworn 

Voted John Newell and John Woodward fenceviewers sworn 

Voted Ebenezer Sargant and Joseph White Hogreaves sworn 

Voted Joshua Stedman Ebenezer Kindrick tithing men 

Voted Elhanan Winchester Leather Sealer 

Voted Samuel Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk and Town Treasurer 
Sworn 

Voted this Meetting be AJoyrng with out day 

Samuel White T Clerk 



157 

May 16 1744 At A Town Meetting in Brooklj-n Leaguelly 
Warned 

Voted Samuel White Chose Representative 

Voted Majer White Moderator 

Voted to Rais one hundred and Sixty pounds to defray the 
Town Charges for the j^ear Currant 

Voted to Give Mr. Allin Sixty pounds for this year more than 
his fixed psallery 

Voted to rais twenty pounds for A Town stock of Ammu- 
nishon 

Voted Joshua Child Surveir of high wais for the south part of 
sd Town for the year Ensuing Sworn 

Voted to have four contributions for Mr. Allin this year 

Voted this Meeting be AJournd without day 

Samuel White 
T Clerk 

At A Town Meeting Septem 21 1744 

Samuel White Chose Moderator 

to consider of A High Way Laid out by the Select Men of 
Brooklyn through the Land of Daniel Harris and John Harris til 
it meet with A high Way Laid out by Roxbury 

it was put to the Town by the Moderator Whether they would 
pa}' for sd Wa^' it passed in the Negative 

it was put to the Town Whether thej' would stand A tryall in 
the Law Concerning sd way it passed in the Negative 

Voted that the high v^^ay that the Town Exceped of March the 
first 174A that was Laid of by the Select men of Brooklyn through 
the Land of Daniel Harris and John Harris by Daniel Harrises 
house up the Hil til it meet With A high way Laid out by Roxbury 
Leading unto Zacariah Chandlers to be Null and Void and of 
None Eff"ect 

Voted this Meeting be AJournd without day 

Samuel White T Clerk 
21 



158 



Brooklyn March 4, 174| 

At A Town Meetting Leagally Warned the Inhabitants meet 

Voted Samuel White Moderator of sd meetting 

Voted to have three select Men for the Ensuing 3'ear 

Voted Samuel White Mr. Isaac Gardner Mr. Thomas Aspen- 
wall the three Select Men 

Voted the Select Men be Assessors the Ensuing year Sworn 

Voted Mr. John Harris jun Constable sworn 

Voted Doc Boylston Surveir for the sd Middle part of sd Town 
sworn 

Voted Samuel Croft Surveir for the North part of sd Town 
sworn 

Voted Abraham Woodward Surveir for the South part of sd 
Town sworn 

Voted Moses White William Ackers fenceviewers for sd Town 
this year sworn 

Voted John Woodward Benjamin White jun hogreaves this 
year sworn 

Voted Dea Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Elhanan Winchester jun Sealer of Leather 

Voted Dea Bo^dston Cap Sharp Abraham Woodward to look 
Over the Treasurers Accounts and bring in the Debt of and the 
Creadit of the Town at ma}^ meetting next 

Voted Samuel White Town Clerk 

Voted Samuel White Town Treasurer Sworn -, 

Samuel White Town Clerk 

Voted to dismis this meetting 

Brooklyn May 17 1745 

At A Town Meeting in sd Town 

Voted to rais one hundred and Eighty pounds for poor schools 
and other Charges 

Voted to Give Mr. Allin Sixty pound this year more than his 
fixed psallery and four contributions quarterly 



159 

Voted to Give Nathaniel Hil Nathaniel Kindrick Phillip Coney 
there rates 

December Seventeenth day 1745 

At A Town Meetting in Brooklyn Cap Robert Sharp Modera- 
tor by a Vote of the Inhabytants 

sd Town Meetting was to know the minds of the Town whether 
they would build a new School house and for Ingoregment thei'eof 
Mr. Joseph White and Mr. Moses White Gave Land for to set sd 
house upon on the East Corner of that peace of there Square of 
Land that sd Whites purchesed of the Heirs of Nathaniel Gardner 
Deceased 

Voted to Except of sd Land with thanks to the sd Whites that 
Gave it to build a new Schoolhouse upon 

Voted to build a new School house on sd Spot of Laud 

Voted to Chouse A commity for that purpos 

Voted Mr. Joseph White Mr. Ebenezer Davis Cap Se wall Mr. 
Samuel Croft Mr. Nathaniel Seaver to be of sd Commit}' to build 
sd house 

At A Meeting of the Town of Brookline Legaly call'd March 
3d. 174f 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted to have but three Select Men 

Voted Samuel White Es(i'r Mr. Isaac Gardner Mr. Thomas 
Aspinwall Select men 

Voted the Select Men to be assessors for the Ensuing j'ear 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. John Harris Jun'r Cunstable for the Ensuing year 
Sworn 

Voted Henr^^ Sewall Town Clerk and Town Treasurer Sworn 

Voted Mr. Ebenezer Davis Survej'or of High ways for the 
North part of sd Town Sworn 



160 

Voted Mr. Nehemiah Davis Surve^'or of high ways for ye mid- 
dle of sd. Town Sworn 

Voted Mr. Daniel Dana Survej'or of high ways for ye South 
part of sd Town Sworn 

Voted Mr. Moses White and Mr. William Ackers Fence 
viewsrs Sworn 

Voted Mr. Elhanan Winchester Jun'r Sealer of Leather 

Voted Deacon Clarke Clerk of the Market 

Voted Mr. Benja. White & Mr. John Woodward Hogreves 
sd White sworn 

Voted Samuel Sewall Esq'r Capt. Sharp and Mr. Abraham 
Woodward to be A Committy to view the Treasurers Accounts 
and to bring in the Debt and Credit of sd Town at may meeting next 

upon A motion made whether the Town would Reconsider the 
vote of Choosing but three Select Men and Chuse more the Town 
Reconsidered sd vote and voted to Chuse two more 

Voted Major White and Capt. Sharp Select Men to jo3-n the 
other three Chosen before 

Voted Maj'r White and Capt Sharp Assess'rs also and Sworn 

Voted to adjourn the matter of Cunstable Harisis high way that 
was in the warrant for march meeting to may Meeting next 

Voted to Adjourn this meeting without Day 

May 16th 1746 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legaly call'd 

Voted Not to send A Representative this 3'ear 

Voted Sam : White Esq'r moderator 

Voted to Except the following Persons from the Charge of Build- 
ing the School House vizt. Messrs. John Druce Abraham Woodward 
Daniel Dana James Griggs Will : Davis Isaac Child Joshua Child 
Timothy Harris John Harris John Harris Jun'r. 

Voted That their be A Rate made on the Rest of the Inhabi- 
tants who are not Excepted from Building the School House of 
fifty pound old Tenner to Build sd School House 



161 

Voted one Hundred and Eighty pounds old Teuuer to Defray 
the Town Charges the Ensuing year 

Voted That the Select Men provide A School Master the Ensu- 
ing winter to keep in the new School House from the first of 
November to the last of March 

Voted to Give the Reverend Mr. Allin over and above his fixed 
sallery Eighty pounds old Tenuer 

That the Town Except of A Pound Built by Sam: White 
Esq'r 

Voted Mr Joseph White Pound keeper and he accepted 

Voted the Swine to go at large the Ensuing 3'ear 

Voted To Give Mr. John Harris Jun'r twenty five pounds old 
Tenuer and that he be satisfied therewith forever Relating to A 
High way to his House 

Voted Constable Winchester five pounds old Tenuer out of the 
Town Treasury 

Voted To adjourn this Meeting without Day 

At A Town Meeting in Brookline Tuesday 14th Octob'r 1746 
Voted Samuel White Esq'r moderator 
Voted To Raise fifty pounds to Hire A Minister 
Voted To Raise fifty pounds to finish the school House 
Voted To Raise thirty seven pounds for Town Stock of Powder 
and Bullets 

March ye 2d 174f 

att A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline Legally Called 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r moderator 

Voted to Except what the Select men have Don Concerning the 
Legacy Mr. Edward Devotion Gave the Town in his Last will 

Voted To Chuse five Select men 

Voted Sam'll White Esq'r Major White Capt'n Sharp Mr. 
Isaac Gardner Mr Thomas Aspinwall Select men 

Voted Mr. William Davis Constable Sworn 



162 

Voted Ebene'r Davis Mr. Natlia'll Seaver Mr. Sam'll Croft 
Assessors sworn 

Voted Eben'r Davis Town Clerk & Town Treasurer sworn 

Voted Mr. Benjamin White Jun'r Survej^or of highways for 
the middle part of the Town Sworn 

Voted Major White Surveyor of high wa3's for the North part 
of the Town sworn 

Voted Mr. John Newell Surveyor of high ways for the South 
part of the Town 

Voted Mr. Joseph White and Mr. Thomas Woodward fence 
Vewers 

Voted Mr. George Griggs & Mr. Daniel Deany Hogreves 

Voted Mr. Eben'r Sergant & Mr. Eben'r Kindrick tiething 
men 

Voted Mr. Sam'll Clarke Clerk of the markett 

Voted that the Town will Raise Sixty Pounds towards Defrey- 
ing the Charge of the Funierall of the Reverend Mr. Allin De- 
ceased 

Voted that the Select men be Impowered to hier a minister 
untill ma}^ meeting 

Voted that mr. Jeames Shed and his Son have Libert}^ to Send 
there Children to Brookline School they finding there proportion 
of Wood and paying their Proportion for there Polls according as 
the select men apportion upon other children 

Voted Mr. Richard Boj'lstone Sealer of Leather 

Voted thatt the Town purpose thatt Mr. Nathaniell Wardell 
shall weigh all the ha3-e the}' sell att his Engine in Roxbury 

Voted To adjourn this meeting Without Da}' 

May 13 1747 att a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally Warned 

Voted Major Edward White Chosen Representative 
Voted Sam'll White Esq'r Moderator 



163 

Voted that the Town Desired to hear some other Ministers be- 
sides Mr. Walley 

Voted that the Select Men are to Provide three young Ministers 
to preach two Sabbath Days Each Namely Mr. Wally Mr. 
Checkly and Mr. Hale 

Voted that this meeting be Adjourned to monday Next the 
Eighteenth Day of May Current to five of the Clock in the after- 

noone 

upon an adjournment from May ye 13 to May ye 18 

Voted that the Select men are to procure Mr. Stevens and Mr. 
Harrington to preach two Sabbath Days Each 

Voted to Raise one hundred and fifty Pounds old tener for to 
Procure Preaching 

Voted to Raise two hundred Pounds old Tenner to Defraye the 
Charges of the Town for the Ensuing j^ear 

Voted this Meeting be adjourned Without Day 

Ocfr 19th 1747 Att a Town Meetiug of the Inhabitants of 
Brookline Leagally Called 

Voted Sam'U White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Raise Two Hundred pounds to Defray the Charges for 
Preaching amongst us 

Voted That Sam'll White Esq'r Major White Capt'n Sharp* Mr. 
Isace Gardner Mr. Thomas Aspinwall be a Committee to procure 
Ministers to preach with us until March Next 

Voted This Meeting be adjournd with out Day 

February ye 12th 174| 

At A Meeting of the Church In Brookline 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To come to a Choise of a Gospel Minister and the votes 
being Brought and Told Mr. Cotton Brown Was Chosen By All 
the Votes Excepting one 



164 

Voted To Choose a Committee To Present the Choice of The 
Church unto Mr. Cotton Brown as soon as may be 

Voted Cap'n John Winchester Sam'll White Esq'r and Mr. Jona- 
than Windchester be the sd Committee 

Voted That the Cliurch Desier the Select Men To Call a Town 
Meeting as soon as Ma}^ be 

Voted This Meeting be adjournd without Day 

Februa. ye 2dth Hi} Att a Meeting of the Inhabitants of 
Brookline Legally Warned 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Know the Minds of the Town they will Concur With 
the Churches Vote for a Gospel Minister and it pased for the Af- 
fermittive and the Rever'd Mr. Cotton Brown Was Chosen 

Voted To Give Mr. Cotton Brown five hundred pounds a j'ear 
old Tenour according to Indian Corn att Twenty Shillings pr. 
Bushel and R^'e att twenty five shillings pr. Bushel and Pork att 
two shillings pr. pound and Beefe att one shilling and Six pence 
pr. pound 

Voted To Give Mr. Cotton Brown Six hundred pounds old Ten- 
our towards his Settlement 

Voted That Henry Sewall Esq'r Be added to the Churches Com- 
mittee To Present the Towns Choise To Mr. Brown 

Voted That this Meeting be adjornd Without Day 

March ye 7th 174^ 
Att a Meeting of The Inhabitants of Brookline Legally Warned 
Voted Samu'll White Esq'r Chosen Moderator 
Voted Samu'll White Esq'r & Cap'n Sharp & Mr. Thos. Aspin- 
wall Select Men 

Voted Eben'r Davis Town Clerk & To'n Treasurer 
Voted Mr. William Ackers Constable & he Paid 
Voted Mr. Sam'll Gleason Constable and he paid 



165 

Voted Mr. Thos. Aspinwall Constable To Serve for Thirty 
Pounds old Tenour 

Voted Eben'r Davis & Mr. Nath'll Seaver and Mr. Samu'll 
Craft Assessors Sworn 

Voted Major White Survej'or for the North End of the Town 

Voted Mr. Moses "White Surveyor for the Middle part Both 
sworn 

Voted Mr. George Griggs Surveyor for the South part of ye 
Town 

Voted Mr. John Woodward & Mr. John Harris fence Vewers 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. Nathan Winchester & Mr. Samu'll Clark Junr 
Hogreives sworn 

Voted Mr. Eben'r Sargant & Mr. Eben'r Kindrick Tiething 
Men 

Voted Deacon Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker Sealer of Leather 

Voted Major White Cap'n Sewall & Mr. Isaac Gardner be a 
Committee To Vew the Treasurers Accompts 

Voted The North End of Brookline Mend the High Ways In sd 
Town as far as the Meeting House. 

Voted This Meeting be adjornd without Day. 

April ye 25th 1748 

at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 

Voted Samu'll White Esq'r Moderator 

Mr. Cotton Brown Laid Severall proposals before the Town in 

a Letter Directed To the Inhabitants of Brookline, Relating to 

his Setling with them in the work of The Ministry, and it was 

put to the Town by the Moderator whether they would add to mr. 

Browns Settlement four hundred Pounds more old Tenour than 

they had Voted to him Before and it pased in the Negative and so 

Did all the proposals until the last and upon Consideration of the 
22 



166 

last article The Town Chose a Committee namely Cap'n Robert 
Sharp Cap'u Isaac Gardner Eben'r Davis to wait on Mr. Brown 
with the Towns Votes and to see if he will Except of the Towns 
former offer and make Report to the Town upon the Ajornment of 
this Meeting which is on Monday the Second Day of May next att 
four of the Clock in the after Noon 

Upon an adjornmeut from April ye 25th To Monday the Second 
Day of May 

Voted To Reconsider that Vote which pased in the Negative on 
Mr. Browns first proposal in his Letter To the Town of ading four 
hundred pounds to his Settlement 

Voted To ad four hundred pounds Old Tenour To the Six hun- 
dred pounds which was first Voted for his settlement and that the 
last part of it be paid within three 3'ears • 

Voted That the Assessors with Mr. Brown be the persons Anu- 
ally To Determine the Rise and fall of his Sallary 

Voted that This Meeting be adjornd without Day 

May ye 11 th 1748 at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legal}^ Called 

Voted not To Send a Representative This year 

Voted Samu'll White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Raise Two hundred pounds old Tenour To Defray 
The Charges of the Town for the Insuing year 

Voted This Meeting be adjornd without Day 

Aug'tye 29t/i 1748 

at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline Legally Warned 
Samu'll White Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted that the Day appointed To ordain Mr. Cotton Brown be 
the last Wednesday in October next which is the Twenty Sixth 
Day of the Month 



167 

Voted that one hundred and Twenty pounds be Raised on the 
Inhabitants of Brookliue To Defra}' the Charge of the said ordina- 
tion 

Voted that Mr. Joshua Child Deacon Clark Mr. Samuel Craft 
Mr. Nehemiah Davis & Ebenezer Davis be a Committee To Dis- 
pose of the Pew which was formerly Mr. Josiah Winchesters and 
that Spot in the Body of the meeting house which in the year 1737 
was voted to Mr. John Goddard and to fix the prises of them and 
make a Eeport to the Town at there Next Meeting 

Voted Mr. Henry Winchester Mr. Samu'U Clark Mr. Abraham 
Woodward have them Spots in the Body of the Meeting House 
that the Town voted them in the year 1737 they paying there 
Mone}' for them before the Last Da}^ of September Next 

Voted Mr. Joseph White Mr Samu'll Craft Mr. Nehemiah Davis 
Mr. Benja. White, Ju'r be a Committee to make Sutable Provi- 
sion for the Ordination 

Voted That this Meeting be ajornd vv'ithout Day 

Stptemb'r ye \2t.h 1748 

at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookliue Legally warned 

Voted Samu'll White Esq'r Moderator 

it was put To Vote by the Moderator whether the Town would 
then Proceed To Sell That part in The Body of the Meeting House 
where the Third and forth Seats are both of the Men and Womans 
side in order to Erect Pews there & it pased in the Negative 

It was put To Vote by the Moderator whether thej- would ad 
any Person or persons More To the Committee Chosen To Provide 
for the Ordination and it pased in the Negative 

The Committee Chosen for the Regulation of The Pews and to 
make Report to the Town is as foUoweth. That John Newell he 
and his heirs forever have That Spot in the Body of the Meeting 
House at the West End of the mens Two hind Seats which was 
Voted To John Goddard in the year 1737 said Newell paying in 
to th« Town Treasurer Thirteen pounds old Tenour for the same 



168 

March ye Sth. 174| At a Meeting of The Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Warned 

Voted Samuell "White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted Mr. Ebenezer Sargant Constable 

Voted Samu'll White Esq'r Capt'n Robert Sharp Mr. Thos. 
Aspenwall Select Men and Assessors sworn 

Voted Ebenez'r Davis Town Clerk and Town Treasurer. 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. Samu'll Clark Jun'r Mr. Abraham Woodward & Mr. 
Natha'll Seaver Surveyors of The High Ways Sworn 

Voted Mr. William Davis Mr. Isaac Child Jun'r fence Vewers 
sworn 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker Mr. Richard Boyleston Hogreives 
sworn 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker Sealer of Leather Sworn 

Voted Mr. Daniel Deana Constable 

Voted That The Town Impower Samu'll White Esq'r Capt'n 
Robert Sharp Mr. Thomas Aspinwall Select Men In Behalf of 
The Town To Give Unto Ebenezer Davis and Nehemiah Davis a 
bond To Secure Them In The Possession of the Land Said Eben'r 
Davis and Nehemiah Davis purchised of The Select Men of said 
Town March ye 2 Day 174f Untill The Time That the Mortgage 
Deed Mr. Sollomon Hill Gave unto Mr. Edward Devotion shall 
Expier, and at the Expiration of said Deed the Select Men for that 
year May be and are Impowered To Give unto The Said Ebenezer 
Davis and Nehemiah Davis There heirs or Assines a Good and 
Sufifiant Deed of the Said Purchised Land 

Voted That This Meeting Be adjornd unto March the thir- 
teenth Day on Monday 

Upon an Adjornment from March ye 6th unto Monday March ye 
thirtenthDay 1748 

Voted Mr. Nathaniel Seaver To Serve Constable for Forty 
Pounds old Tenor » 



169 

Voted Mr. Abraham Woodward Henry Sewall Esq'r and Mr. 
Nehemiah Davis be a Committee to Vew The Treasurers Accompts 
and To Bringe in to The Town in writing The Debt and Credit 
Thereof 
. Voted That This Meeting Be Ajornd without Day 

May ye 18th 1749 at a Meeting of The Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Warned 

Voted Samu'll White Esq'r Chosen Representative 

Voted Samu'll White Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Repair The Meeting House as Soon as may be 

Voted To Raise one hundred Pounds old Tenor To Repair The 
Meeting house 

Voted Henrj' Sewall Esq'r Mr. Isaac Gardner and Mr. Nehi- 
miah Davis be a Committee To Repair The Meeting House 

Voted That Two hundred and Fifty Pounds old Tenor be Raised 
To Defray The Charges of the Town for the present year 

Voted the Swine To Run at Large this year 

Voted Mr. Samu'll Gleason have Twenty Pounds Reimbursed to 
him which he paid as a fine for being Chosen Constable old Tenor 

Voted This Meeting be adjorued without Day 

BlarcJi ye 5th 17i:§ 

at a Meeting of The Inhabitants of Brookline Legally Warned 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Chuse Three Select men Samuel White Esq'r Mr 
Abraham Woodward and Ebene'r Davis Selectmen. Selectmen 
To be Assessors Sworn 

Voted Henry Davis Town Clerk and Town Treasurer 

Voted Mr. Thomas Bell Constable Sworn 

Voted Mr. Nathaniel Seaver Mr. Robert Sharp Jun'r Mr. Oba- 
diah Druce Surveyors of The high ways Sworn 

Voted Mr. Samuel Clark Jun'r Mr. Joshua Boyleston Fence 
Vewers Sworn 



170 

Voted Mr. Joseph Woodward and Mr. John Ragon hogreives 
Sworn 

Voted Deacon Samu'll Clark Clerk of The market & Sealer of 
Leather 

Voted That this Meeting be adjornd without Day 

May ye 22 1750 

at a Meeting of The Inhabitants of Brookline Legally Warned 

Voted not To Send a Representative this year 

Voted Samuel AYhite Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Raise Three hundred pounds To Defray the Charges 
of the Town This present year 

Voted To Chuse a Committee To Dispose of the pew. That was 
formerl}' Mr. Josiah Winchesters 

Voted That Mr. Abraham Woodward Henry Sewell Esq'r & 
Mr. John Newel be a Committee To Dispose of said pew and make 
Report to the Town 

Voted The Swine To Run at Large this present year 

Voted This Meeting be adjornd without Day 

June ye 4:th 1750 at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legalhr Warned 

Voted Samu'll White Esq'r To Represent the Town this present 
year 

Novem'r ye 15th 1750 
at a Meeting of the Church in Brooklyn Deacon Joseph White 
Chosen Moderator after Some Debate it was put To Vote by the 
Moderator whether they would Then proceed To the Choice of a 
Minister and It pased in the aSermitive and Mr. Samuel Haven 
was Chosen b}' a unanimous Vote. 



171 

March ye Wtli 1751 at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legall}^ Warned 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Chuse Three Select Men : Samuel White Esq'r Mr. 
Abraham Woodward & Ebenezer Davis Select Men To be Asses- 
sors Sworn 

Voted Ebenezer Davis Town Clerk & Town Treasurer 

Voted Mr. Isaac Child Constable sworn 

Voted Edward White Esq'r Capt'n Isaac Gardner & Mr. John 
Newel Surveyors of the high ways sworn 

Voted Mr. Eobert Sharp Jun'r & Mr. Sollomon Hill fence 
Vewers 

Voted Mr. William Davis & Mr. Moses Newel Hogrieves 

Voted Mr. Ebenezer Kindrick & Mr. Ebenezer Sargant Tithing 
Men 

Deacon Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Peter Parker Sealer of Leather 

Voted To Mend the high ways by a Rate 

Voted forty Shillings pr. Day for a Teame & Twenty shillings a 
Da}- for one hand old Tenor & To work Eight houres in a Day 

Voted Major White Capn Sharp Cap'n Sewall Mr. Thomas As- 
pinwall be a Committee To View the Treasurers accomps & To 
bring in the Debt and Credit of The Town 

Voted This Meeting be adjorud without Day 

May ye 17th 1751 at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legallj' Warned 

Voted Not To Send a Representative To Court this year 

Voted Samu'll White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Repair the South Side of the Meeting House with 
New Clabording New Window fraims & Squair Glas 

Voted To Raise five hundred pounds old Tenor for the Supply of 
the Pulpit 



172 

Voted That Mr. Joseph White Mr. Jonathan Winchester Mr. 
Nehemiah Davis Mr. Isaac Gardner Ju'r Mr. Sam'll Clark Jun'r 
& Eben'r Davis be a Committee To Take Care for the Supply of 
ye Pulpit 
' Voted this Meeting be adjornd without Day 

August ye 23 1751 at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
lyn Legally Warned 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Raise Two hundred and fifty pounds old Tenor To 
Defray the Charges of the Town this present year 

Voted this Meeting be adjornd without Day 

Desem'r 10th 1751 at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Warned Samu'll White Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

it was put To Vote by the Moderator whether the Congregation 
would Concur with the Church in this place in there Choise of a 
Minister and it pased in the aflGermytive and Mr. Samuel Haven 
was Chosen 

it was put To Vote whether the Town would Give Mr. Haven 
one Thousand pounds old Tenor Towards his Settlement in this 
place and it was Disputed whether it was a Vote or not 

Voted that this Meeting be adjornd to Tuesday the Twenty 
forth Da,y of this Instant Desember 

1751 Upon an adjornment from Desemb'r ye 10 Day To 
Desemb'r the 24th 

after some previous Discours It was put To Vote whether the 
Town would Give Mr. Samuel Haven one hundred and Thirty 
pounds Law full Money Towards his Settlement in the Ministry in 
this place and it passed in the affermitive. To be paid in three 
years one Third part annually 

it was also Voted To Give him Mr. Samu'll Haven Sixty six 



173 

Pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence Lawfull Money pr. Year 
for his Sallary provided he Should Settle in Said Town 

Voted That Henry Sewall Esq'r Cap'n Benjam. Gardner Mr. 
Jonathan Winchester & Eben'r Davis be a Committee To ac- 
quaint Mr. Haven of the proceedings of the Town in this affair 

Voted that this Meetting be adjorud without Day 

Februar 11th 1752 at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
\yn Legally Warned 

Edward White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted Not to Chuse a Committee To Take Cair for the Supply 
of the Pulpit 

Voted that This Meeting be adjornd without Day 

Afarch 2^1752 
Att a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin Legally Warned 
Voted Samuel White Esq Moderator 
Voted Samuel White Edward White Henry Sewall Esqr's 

Select Men and Assessors 
Voted Mr. Obediah Druce Constable Sworn 
Voted Jonth. Winchester Town Clerk and Town Treasurer 
Voted Edward White Esq. Mr. Isaak Gardner Mr. William 

Davis Surveighers of High ways 

Voted Mr. Benj'n White Mr. Peter Parker Fence Viewers 
Voted Mr. Moses Newel Mr. Elisha Gardner Hog Reaves 
Voted The Select Men to look over the Treasurers.Accounts and 

if they find them Right cast and well accounted to give the former 

Treasurer a Discharge 

Voted Mr. Nathaniel Sever Mr. Samuel Craft a Committee to 

Provide Timber for Window frames for the Meeting House 

May 20ih 1752 At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin 
Legalh'- warned the Select Men Moderators 
23 



174 

Voted to Send no llepresentntive for the Ensuing year 

at the Same Meeting Edward Yfhite Esq Moderator 

Voted To raise Seventy three Pounds six Shillings & Eight 
Pence to defray the charges of Preaching for the Ensuing yea.v 

Voted To raise thirt}- three Pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence 
to defra}^ the other necessary charges that may arise in the Town 

Voted To Glaze the Meeting House witli Glass of 8 & 10. 
Each Window to be Six Squaries Deep and four in Wedth 

Voted To raise twenty six Pounds thirteen Shillings and four 
pence to defra}^ the Charges of repairing the Meeting House 

Voted That Mr. Nathaniel Sever and Mr. Samuel Craft be a 
Com'te to take the care of repairing the Meeting House 

Voted The Select Men to Provide Preachers till the Town shall 
take further care for suppl3'ing the Pulpit 

Voted That Samuel White & Henry Sewall Esqrs have Liberty 
to build a Tomb in the Burying Place for themselves & Families 

Voted That Capt : Robert Sharp have Liberty to build a Tomb 
in the Burying Place for himself and Family 

Voted That Mr. Isaac Winchester have Liberty to build a Tomb 
in the Bur3dng Place for himself and Family 

Voted that Mr. Nehemiah Davis have the Pew on the East side 
of the front Door as it was disposed of to him b}^ a Comt : chosen 
to dispose thereof he paying to the Town Six pounds thirteen 
shillings and four pence 

Voted that this Meeting be adjornd without Day 

Jan 25 1753 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin Legally warned 

Voted Samuel White Esq Moderator 

Voted The Congregation unanimously voted to concur with the 
Churches Choice (on the first Day of Jan : instant) of Mr Stephen 
Badger to be their Gospel Minister 

Voted To give Mr. Stephen Badger one hundred thirty three 
Pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence for his Settlement 



175 

Voted To give Mr. Stephen Badger Eighty Pounds j'earty for his 
Sailer}^ Provided he shall be settled in the Ministry iu the Town 

Voted That the Settlement Money be Paid as follows viz Fifty 
three Pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence be paid within the first 
year after Mr. Badger shall be settled Forty Pounds within the 
Second and Forty Pounds within the third year 

Voted That Henr}^ Sewall Esq Capt Benjamin Gardner and Mr. 
Isaac Gardner be a Com't to acquaint Mr. Badger with the above 
written Votes of the Town 

Voted That this Meeting be adjurned to the twent}^ fourth Day 
of February next at two o'clock in the afternoon 

March bth 1753 Att a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin 
Legally called 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted Samuel White Edward White Henry Sewall Esqrs Select 
Men 

Voted Jonathan Winchester Town Clerk «& Town Treasurer 
sworn 

Voted Mr. Moses Newall Constable sworn 

Voted Henry Sewall Esq William Ackers & Daniel Dana 
Surveighers of high wa3'S sworn 

Voted Mr. Sargeant & Mr. Kindrick Tithing Men sworn 

Voted Mr. Isaac Winchester & Mr. Robert Sharp junior Fence 
Viewers Sworn 

Voted Mr. Samuel Clark Sealer of Leather & Clerk of the 
Market sworn 

Voted Mr. Joshua Boylston & Mr. Thomas Woodward junior 
Hogreaves 

Voted Mr. Eben'r Davis Mr, Nathaniel Sever & Mr. Wm. Davis 
Assessors Sworn 

Voted that the Select Men with Mr. Isaac Gardner Capt Robert 
Sharp and Mr. Thomas Aspinwall be a Cora'tt to confer with 



176 

Mr. Solomon Hill concerning the Legacy left to the Town by Mr. 
Devotion 

Voted To provide Window Shutters for the Lower Windows of 
the Meeting House 

Voted that the Select Men be a Com't to provide the Window 
Shutters 

Voted that the Meeting be adjornd without Day 

3Iay 25 1753 

At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Bi'ooklin legally called the 
Select Men Moderating 

Voted To Send no Representative for the Ensuing Year 

Voted that the Select Men assest the Town Treasurer in stering 
up the Constable speedily to collect the Town Rate 

Voted that this Meeting be adjerned without Day 

August 31st 1753 At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin 
Legally called 

Voted Samuel White Esq Moderator 

Voted To raise Forty Six Pounds thirteen shillings & Four 
Pence to defra}^ the Town Charges for the Present year 

Voted To Grant to Jonathan Winchester two Pounds as a Com- 
pensation for His Trouble and care in the Discharge of the office 
of Town Treasurer for the Present year 

Voted that this Meeting be adjurned without Day 

OctohW 15 1753 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin legallj- called 

Voted Samuel White Esq. Moderator 

Voted The Congreation voted to Concur with the Churches 
Choice of Mr. Robert Rogerson to be their Gospel Minister 

Voted To give Mr. Rogerson One Hundred thirty three Pounds 
Six Shillings & Eight Pence for His Settlement 



177 

Voted To give Mr. Rogerson Eighty Pounds yearly for His 
Sallery provided He shall be Settled in the Town in the Capacity 
of a Gospel Minister 

Voted That th& Settlement Money be paid in the following 
Manner Viz Sixty three Pounds Six Shillings & eight within the 
first year Forty Pounds within the Second and Forty Avithin the 
third year after He shall be Settled 

Voted that Capt'n Sharp Edward White and Samuel White 
Esqrs be a Com't : to inform Mr. Rogerson of the above the Votes 

Voted that this meeting be adjurned without Day 

1753 December 18th 
At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin Legally called Hav- 
ing chosen Edward White Esqr Moderator the Town Received Mr. 
Rogersons Answer which was in the affirmative. Also concluded 
that the Com'tt formerly chosen to take care of the Legacy left to 
the Town by Mr, Devotion should also take care of a bight of 
Land given to the Town by the sd Devotion Lying on the Back- 
side of North Yarmouth then adjurned this meeting without Day 

[END OF VOLUME ONE.] 



March Ath 1754 At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legall}' called 

Voted Jonathan Winchester chosen Moderator 

Voted To choose three Select. Men 

Voted Jonth. Winchester Mr. Nehimiah Davis & Mr. Abr'm 
Woodward chosen Select Men & Assessors sworn 

Voted That the Assessors for the last year stand a Trj-al with 
Henry Sewall Esq'r before the sessions for Abatements of Part of 
his Rates 

Voted Mr Benj'n White jnr. be Constable 

Voted Jonathan Winchester Town Clerk & Town Treasurer 
Sworn 



178 

Voted Messrs Abr'm Woodward Wm. Akers Isaac Winchester 
Survej-ers of the High Waj-s sworn 

Voted Mr. John Woodward & Mr. Rob't Sharp jun'r Fence 
Viewers sworn 

Voted Mr. Ebeu'r Kinderich & Mr. Eben'r Sargeant Tithing 
Men 

Voted Mr. Nath. Winchester & Mr. Joseph Woodward Hog- 
reaves sworn 

Voted Deacon Clark Clerk of the Market & Leather Sealer 

Voted That Swine run at large 

Voted This Meeting to be Adjourned to the 1 1th Day of March 
Instant 

Upon an Adjournment from March 4th to the 11th Day 

Mr. Benj'n White Junior who was chosen Constable at the last 

Meeting refusing either to serve or Pay the Fine 

Voted Mr. Isaac Gardner Junior Chosen Constable who hired 

Mr. Moses Newell to Serve for Him. 

Voted Mr. Moses Newell Constable sworn 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r & Henrj- Sewall Esq to be a Com'tt 

to View ye Tr. Acc'ts 

Voted This Meeting to be Adjourned without Day 

May 16th 1754 Att a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally called. 

Voted Not to Send a Representative this year. 

Voted To Raise 106 :13£. to defray the necessary Charges the 
present j'ear. 

Voted Henry Sewall Esq Mr. Ab'm Woodward & Maj'r White 
chosen for a Comm't to dispose of the Pew latel}^ belonging to 
Mr. Nathaniel Stedman ^ 

Voted Not to Do any thing concerning Mr. Rogersons Ordina- 
tion at this meeting 

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned without Day. 



179 

1754 OdohW 30 At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally called 

Voted Jonathan Winchester Moderator 

Voted Not to appoint a Day for Mr. Robert Rogersons Ordina- 
tion 

Voted The Town Then manifested b}' a Vote that tbe}^ Judged 
it proper & Expedient that a Mutual Council wldch should consist 
of The Neighbouring Churches should be sent for to Give their 
Advice to the Town under the pi'esent situation of their Affairs. 

Voted That Capt'n Sharp Capt'n Gardner & Deacon Davis be 
a Comm't to \^y before Mr. Rogerson the Votes of this Meeting 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

1755 Jan: 2d. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally Called 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Grant Ten Pounds to Defray the Charges of a 
Council. 

Voted That this Meeting be adjom'ned without Day 

1755 March 3d At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legall}" Called 

Voted Jonathan Winchester Moderator 

Voted To choose three Select Men 

Voted Jonth. Winchester Mr. Abr. Woodward Capt Benj'n 
Gardner chosen Select Men & Assessors sworn 

Voted Mr. Elisha Gardner chosen Constable sworn 

Voted Jonth. Winchester chosen Town Clerk & Treasurer 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. Thorn's Aspinwall Mr. Isaac Gardner jun'r & Mr. 
John Newell Chosen Surve3'ors of the High Ways Sworn. 

Voted Mr. Robert Sharp jun'r & Mr. Solomon Hill chosen Fence 
Viewers Sworn 



180 

Voted Mr. Sam'l Gardner & Mr. Thorn's Woodward chosen 
Hog Reaves sworn 

Voted Deacon Clark chosen Clerk of the Market 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker chosen Sealer of Leather 

Voted Mr. Ebeu'r Sarjeant & Mr. Kendrick chosen Tithing 
Men 

Voted That the Swine go at large this Year 

Voted Messrs Nath'l Seaver Deacon White, Thomas Aspinwall 
Samuel Craft & Jonth. Winchester chosen a comm't to supply 
the Pulpit 

Voted The Town agreeable to the Advice of the late Venerable 
Council Voted to Give Mr. Robert Rogerson twenty Pounds Law- 
full Money 

1755 May Idth At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legall}' called The Select Men Moderating 

Voted To Send a Representative to ye Great & General Court 
this year 

Voted Jeremiah Gridley Esq'r Chosen Representative 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r chosen Moderator 

Voted Voted to Raise Eighty Pounds for the Supply of the Pul- 
pit the ensuing Year 

Voted To Raise twenty Pounds which was granted to Mr. 
Rogerson At a former Meeting 

Voted To Raise Forty two Pounds thirteen Shillings & four 
Pence to pay the Arrearages of the Town 

Voted To Raise Forty Six Pounds thirteen Shillings & four 
pence for the Necessary Charges that may arise in the following 
year 

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned without Day 

1755 Stpfr 10th Att A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Warned 

Voted That Jeremy Gridley Esq'r be Moderator 



181 

Voted Unanimously that the Town Concurs with the Church's 
Choice of Mr. Nathaniel Potter to be the Gospel Minister in this 
Town 

Voted The Sum of an Hundred Thirty three Pounds Six Shil- 
lings <Sc Eight Pence be Paid to Mr. Nath'l Potter for his Settle- 
ment that is to say the sum of Fift}" three Pounds Six Shillings 
& Eight pence Part of it iu the first Year and the Remainder of 
it in two equal Annual Paj'ments in the two years next after Pro- 
vided He accept this choice and be ordained the Gospel Minister 
in this Town. 

Voted that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be annually' Paid to Mr. 
Nath'l Potter for His Salary as the Gospel Minister iu this Town. 
Provided He accept the choice & be ordained accordingly 

Voted that Mr. Jonathan "Winchester Samuel White Esq'r Capt'n 
Gardner Capt'n Sharp & Deacon White be a Comm't to wait oa 
Mr. Nath'l Potter & acquaint Him with these Votes 

1755 October \ith At a Meeting of 3'e Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally called Samuel White Esq'r Moderator. 

After having Rec'd Mr. Nath'l Potters Answer which was in the 
Affirmative 

Voted that ye Day for Mr. Potters Ordination should be the 
19th of Nov. next 

Voted That Eight Pounds be Raised on ye Real &. Personal 
Estates of ye Inhab'ts of ye Town to defray ye Charges of 
sd Ordination 

Voted That Messrs Nath'l Sever John Newell Elisha Gardner 
be a Comm't to provide for ye Counsel 

The Meeting adjourned without Day 

1756 March \st At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 

Legally called 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Chosen Moderator 
24 



182 

Voted To Choose Five Select Men for the ensuing year 

Voted Jona. Winchester Samuel White Esq'r Mr. Abr'm Wood- 
ward Capt. Benj'm Gardner & Dea'n Joseph White Chosen Select 
Men 

Voted That the Select Men be Assessors for the ensuing year. 
Sworn 

Voted Jona. Winchester Chosen Town Clerk & Treasurer. 
Sworn 

Voted Capt. Benj'n White Chosen Constable for the ensuing 
year Paid the Fine 

Voted Mr. Samuel Clark jun'r chosen Surveyor of of High 
Ways for the North Part. Mr. Moses White for the Middle & 
Mr. Caleb Woodward, for the South part of the Town 

Voted Mr. Isaac Winchester & Mr. Joseph Winchester chosen 
Fence Viewers, sworn 

Voted Mr. Eben'r Kindrick & Mr. Eben'r Sargeant chosen 
Tithing Men 

Voted Mr. Daniel Winchester & Mr. Alexander Samson chosen 
Hog Reaves sworn 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker Chosen Clerk of the Market & Leather 
Sealer sworn 

Voted That two Pews be made on each Side of the Middle 
Alley in the Place of the Back Seats. 

Voted that the Select Men be a Com'tt to Dispose of sd Pews 
and Set a Price on them 

Voted That Deacon Davis Maj'r White & Capt : Sharp be a 
Com'tt to Look over the Treasurers Acc'uts 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next which 
Will be the Eighth Day of March instant at One O'Clock P. M. 

1756 March 8th At A Meeting of ye Inhabitants on an ad- 
journment from March 1st 

Voted Mr. John Goddard jun'r chosen Constable for ye ensu- 
ing year Sworn 



183 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to Monday ye 15th of 
March Instant 3 O'Clock P. M. 

1756 May 12th At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 

Legally called the Select Men Moderating 

Voted To Send a Representative for ye Ensuing year 

Voted Jeremiah Gridley Esq'r Chosen Representative 

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday ye 31st of 

this Instant May at 2 O'Clock in the afternoon 

1756 3Iay dlst At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
on adjournment from May 12th 

Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted to Raise Forty Pounds to Defray the Charges that maj' 
arise in the Town the Ensuing Ye'ar 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

1757 March 7th At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally Called 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Jona. Winchester Mr. Abra'm 
Woodward Chosen to be Select Men and Assessors Sworn 

Voted Jona. Winchester Chosen Town Clerk «& T 'n Treasurer 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. Samuel Gardner Chosen Constable & Paid his 
Fine 

Voted To Accept of Mr. John Goddard who oflFered to serve as 
constable the Ensuing for the Fine Sworn 

Voted Mr. Abr'm Woodward Mr. Rob't Sharp jnr. Mr. Joshua 
Boilston Chosen Surveyors of the High Ways Sworn 

Voted Mr. Samuel Whittemore & Mr. Joshua Boilston Fence 
Viewers sworn 

Voted Mr. Eben'r Kindrick & Mr. Eben'r Sarjeant chosen 
Tithins: Men 



184 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker chosen Sealer of Leather & Clerk of 
ye Market Sworn 

Voted Mr, Stephen Brewer & Mr. Caleb Woodward chosen 
Hog Reaves sworn 

Voted That the Town will bring to ye Rev'd Mr. Potter's House 
& His sucessors in ye Ministry Sixteen Cords of Wood Annually 
out of the AVood-lot lying in Needham which Samuel White Esq'r 
has offered to the Town as A Gift for the use of ye Ministry so 
long as ye Wood in sd Lot shall hold out. 

Voted That Deacon White & Dea'n Davis be a Com't to see 
to ye Cutting of ye Wood 

Voted Maj'r White Henry Sewall Esq'r & Dea'n Davis chosen 
to Look over The Treasurers Acc'nt in Order to know what is ye 
Debt & Credit of ye Town 

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned without Day 

1757 MciT/ 18th At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Regularly Called the Selectmen Moderating 

Voted To Send A Representative this 3'ear 

Voted Jeremy Gridly Esq'r Chosen Representative for the En- 
suing year 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted To raise Forty Pounds Lawful Money to Defray the 
Necessary Charges of the Town the present year. 

Voted This meeting to be Adjourned without Day 

1758 March ye 6th At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Called 

Voted Edward White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted Mr. Thos. Aspinwall Mr. Abr'm Woodward & Deacon 
Joseph White Select Men 

Voted That the Selectmen be Assessors ye ensuing Year 
sworn 



185 

Voted Isaac Garduer jnr. Chosen Town Clerk & Treasurer 
sworn 

Voted That Mr. William Davis shall have Five Pounds Six 
Shillings & Eight Pence to serve as Constable for ye ensuing 
Year. 

Voted Mr. William Davis Constable for ye ensuing Year 
Sworn. 

Voted Mr. Isaac Child ju'r Survej-or of Ways for the South 
Part 

Voted Mr. Nehemiah Davis Survej'or of Waj's for ye Middle 
Part 

Voted Mr. Isaac Winchester Surve^'or of Ways for ye North 
Part of ye Town all Sworn in Said Office. 

Voted Mr. Eben'r Kindrick cS= Mr. Eben'r Sarjeant Tithing 
Men 

Voted Mr. Sam'l Aspinwall & Mr. Sam'l Gardner Fence 
Veewers. Sworn 

Voted Deacon Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker Sealer of Leather 

Voted Mr. Francis Blanchard & Mr. Joshua Davis hog Reaves 

Voted That Swine run at Large 

Voted Deacon Davis Nehemiah Davis & Capt. Benj'n White be 
a Com't to Look over Mr. Jona. Winchesters Accounts 

Voted That ye Rev'd Mr. Potter's Wood shall be brought by 
Hire. 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

1758 April ye 2Gth At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Called 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator 

Voted That the Reve'd Mr. Nath'l Potter doth not go In the 
Intended Expedition against Canada. 

Voted That This Meeting be Adjourned without Day. 



186 

1758 Mai/ ye 22d At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Called 

Voted Not to Send a Representative This Year 

Voted Samuel White Esq'r Moderator. 

Voted Mr. Sam'l Clark jnr. & Mr. Elisha Gardner be hog 
Reaves for ye insewing 3'ear in ye sted of Francis Blanchard & 
Joshua Davis sworn 

Voted. Deacon Ebenezer Davis Mr. Nehemiah Davis and Capt. 
Benjamin White be a Com'tt to look over Mr. Jona. Winchesters 
accts. and settle with him and give him a Discharge & make 
Report of 3-e Debt and Credit of the Town. 

Voted That Jeremy Gridley Henry Sewall Esq'r Adjoin the 
Com'ttee yt hath ye Care of the Estate of Edward Devotion 
Deceased 

Voted That if 3-e Com'ttee Shall not agree with Mr. Solomon 
Hill They Shall Proceed with him in a Case of Law 

Voted That the Com'ttee Shall have Six Pounds Thirteen Shil- 
lings and Four pence Lawful Money to inable them to Proceed 
(and more if wanted) 

Voted That the Select Men Shall give a Warranty Deed. To 
Mr. Ebenezer Davis and Mr. Nehemiah Davis in behalf of the 
Town of a Tract of Land bot. of Sd Town 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned to June ye 12th at Two 
bf 3'e Clock in the After Noon 

1758 June ye 12th. At A Meeting of ye Inhabitants of Brook- 
line on Adjournment from Ma3^ 3'e 22d 

Voted Whether Fort3^ Shillings Lawful Mone3' which he hath 
Rec'd, be a sufficient Gratuit3' for Mr. Jona. Winchesters Serveing 
as Town Treasurer pas'd in the Negative. 

Voted That Mr. Jonan. Winchester have One Pound Lawful 
moue3' for his Extraordinar3' Trouble as Treasurer 
■ Voted To Raise Forty Pounds to Defray ye Charges yt may 
arise in the Town the Ensuing Year. 



187 

Voted That Isaac Gardner Ju'r serve as Grand Juror for ye 
Year 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

1759 March ye 5th At A Meeting of ye Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally Called. 

Voted Jerem^^ Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted to Choose Three Select Men 

Voted Mr. Abr'm Woodward Deacon Ebenezer Davis and Mr. 
Nehemiah Davis Select Men 

Voted Isaac Gardner Ju'r Town Clerk and Treasurer Sworn 

Voted That the Select Men be Assessors for ye Ensuing Year 
Sworn 

Voted That Mr. Caleb Woodward be Constable for the Ensu- 
ing Year Sworn 

Voted Edward White Esq. Surveyor of Ways for the North 
Part of Sd Town Sworn 

Voted Jerem}^ Gridley Esq'r Surveyor of highways for the 
Middle Part Sworn 

Voted Mr. Daniel Dana Surveyor of high Waj-s for the South 
Part of said Town Sworn 

Voted Mr. Ebenezer Serjeant and Elhannan Winchester Chosen 
Tithing Men for Said Town 

Voted Mr. John Goddard and Mr. Thos. Woodward Ju'r Fence 
Viewers Sworn 

Voted Deacon Clark Clerk of ye Market 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker Sealer of Leather Sworn 

Voted Mr. Joshua Davis & Mr. Nath. Healy hog Reaves 
Sworn 

Voted To mend ye Highways by a Rate 

Voted To Reconsider je above Vote and to mend them as 
usual 

Voted To Adjourn this Meeting to Monday Next whill be ye 12 
Inst, at One of ve Clock P. M. 



188 

March ye IWi 1759 At A meeting of ye Inhabitants of Brook- 
line on adjournment from March ye 5th To March ye 12th 

Voted Not to give ye Rev'd Mr. Potter Twenty two Cords of 
Wood Annually 

Voted Not to make any Addition to his Annually Sixteen Cords 
of Wood 

Voted Not To affix Twenty Six Pounds Thirteen Shillings and 
four pence Lawful Money to his Yearly Sallary. 

Voted To Pa}' ye Rev Mr. Potters Sallary Quarterly 

Voted That ye Ministers Rate be made Seperate from the other 
Rates 

Voted That Each and every Person, or Persons, shall by a j 
Quarterly Contribution, Pay in their. Proportion as Assessed, by 
j-e Assessors, of said Town and every Person shall mark their 
Money and if their Remains a Supplussage that Supplussage To 
Account for their other Rates In said Town 

Voted Whither to Reconsider ye. Vote concerning not making 
any addition of Fire Wood to his Sixteen Cords and Past in ye 
Negative, not to affix an}' Addition 

Voted That ye Swine be Cloister'd 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

May ye 2Uh 1759 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook 
line Legally Called 

Voted Not to Send a Representative ye Ensuing year 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted Not to Grant Mr. Jona. Winchester one Pound a year 
for his Services as Town Treasurer 

Voted To forgive Mr. Jona. Winchester ye Debt which he ow'd 
the Town 

Voted to Raise one Hundred Pounds to Defray ye Charges yt 
may arise in ye Town ye Ensuing Year 

Voted That the Town will accept an open road two Rods wide 
from Mr. Nfthemiah Davis' Gate to Roxbury Line leading to 



189 

Mr. Bell's on condition j-t the Abettors in ye Town of Brookline 
will give the Land for it and maintain ye Fence forever and tha.t 
Roxbiny will open a Road of ye Same Breadth to meet it at Brook- 
line Line 

Voted Whether ye Town will in Consideration of ye extraordi- 
naiy Price of Provisions Grant to ye Rev'd Mr. Nath'l Potter any 
Sum of Money for ye present 3'ear be3'ond his Settled Sallar}^ 
Pas'd in ye Negative 

Voted To have Four Contributions by way of Presents to the 
Rev'd Mr. Nath'l Potter 

Voted That ye Deacons Regulate ye Meetings for the Rev'd 
Mr. Potters Contributions 

Voted To Add Four Cords of Wood to ye Rev'd Mr. Nath'l 
Potters Sixteen Cords of Wood Annually 

Voted that yt Jeremy Gridlej^ Esq'r & the Select Men be a 
com'ty to Inform the Rev'd Mr. Potter of Votes Pas'd Relative to 
him. 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned with out Day. 

Jicne ye IStJi 1759. At a Meeting of Lawfully warned & Leg- 
gaily Called 

Voted Jerem}^ Gridley Esq'r was chosen Moderator 
Whereas the Reverend Mr. Nath'l Potter Applied to the Town 
at their Last March Meeting for a Settled annual Addition of 
£26. 13. 4 to his Sallar}-, and of Six Cords more of Firewood an- 
nuall}^ the Votes thereupon pas'd in the negative after which he 
applied to 3'e Church for a Dismission from his Pastoral Office 
and at ye instance of some of 3'e Members of it an Article 
was inserted in the Warrant for last May Meeting whether the 
Town will consider the Rev'd Mr. Potter in an3' Respect as to his 
Salar3' and the Reverend Mr. Potter at said Ma3' Meeting ap- 
peared & read a Remonstrance of his case to the Inhabitants of 

the Town and left it to be consider'd where upon nothing was 

25 



190 

acted, as not being notified in the "Warrant, and upon sd warrant 
for 3'e May Meeting it was. Voted by 3'e Town tliat he should 
have four Contributions this year and four cords more of Wood 
yearlj', and the Town then Appointed the Moderator & Select Men 
to acquaint ye Rev'd Mr. Potter with the Votes of the Meeting, 
and upon their doing it he inform'd them that ye Said Votes were 
not Satisfactory to him, and then Desir'd the Select Men to call a 
Town Meeting to act upon his said Remonstrance, which having 
now been read and considered the Question Whether the Town 
will make the Rev'd Mr. Potter a fixed yearly addition of Twenty 
Six Pounds thirteen Shillings & four pence to his salary. 

Voted in the negative unanimously 

whereupon Deacon White & Deacon Davis were appointed by 
ye Town to notify the Rev'd Mr. Potter of this Vote, that if he 
pleased he might make Known his mind to the Town upon it. 
Who made return that they had notified him accordingly and there 
upon he appeared in Town Meeting and desired to be discharged 
from his Ministerial Comtract with the Town offering to resign 
any part of his Settlement Money, or the whole, of it if it should 
be thought reasonable by the Town to Take it, as by a Wrighting 
under his hand on file appears and after a Debate here upon, the 
Question whether ye Reverend Mr. Nath'l Potter be Discharged 
from his Ministerial Contract with this Town upon condition of 
his giving good Security to 3'e Select Men of the Town to their 
Satisfaction within three months to pa}' to the Town of Brookline 
at what time they Shall think proper, the sum of an Hundred & 
thirt}' three pounds, six Shillings & Eight pence, which was paid 
him b}^ the Town for his Settlement as a Minister of }'e Gospel 
here, Provided the Church in this Town shall think proper to dis- 
charge him from his Pastrol relation to it on the same Conditions 
as was put 

Voted In the Afl!irmative 

Voted the Moderator Mr. Abraham Woodward Deacon White 



191 

& Deacon Davis be a Com'tt to notify ye Eev'd Mr. Potter of this 

Vote. 

The Venire facias was Red, for a Grandjuror 

Voted Mr. Abraham Woodward Grandjuror for ye present j-ear 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

Lords Day evening June ye 17th 1759 the Church of Brookline 

Discharged the Rev'd Mr. Nathaniel Potter from his Pastoral 

relation to them on the same Conditions ye Town Act'd upon 

July ye 11th 1759 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Leggall}' Called 

Voted Mr. Abr'm "Woodward chosen Moderator 

Voted Capt Craft, Deacon Davis Isaac Gardner and Mr. Robert 
Sharp be a Com'tt to supply the Pulpit 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

Ocfr ye 17 fh 1759. At A meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Leggallj^ Called 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq Chosen Moderator 

Voted Tiiat the Select Men be a Comm'ty to wait upon Mrs. 
Potter to Know her mind concerning the Settlement Money yt is 
in Mr. Potters hands 

Voted That this meeting be Adjourned to Monday Next which 
will be ye 22d Instant at three of je Clock P. M. 

October ye 22d 1759. At a meeting the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line on Adjournment from October ye 17th to ye 22d Instant The 
Select Men made their report from Mrs. Potter and thereupon 

Voted that the Town will accept Sixty Six pounds thirteen Shil- 
lings & four pence, and the Discount of the further Sum of Twen- 
ty four Pounds Ten Shillings & Eight pence Supposed to be in 
yc Treasurers Hands, due to Mr. Nath'l Potter in Satisfaction for 
his Settlement Money to be repaid provided he or his Attorneys 



192 

make ye payment of j^t first mentioned Sam & SaiJ Discount 
wittiin a fortniglit. 

Voted Tliat ye Select Men or greater part of tliem acquaint 
Mrs. Potter with tlie Vote Sc transact The Matter. 

Voted Tliis meeting be Adjourned without Day 

[The following Receipt is here fastened in with the Records, to 

wit] 

Brooldine Nov'r ije bth 1759. 

Then I the Subscriber as Attorney to my husband Mr. Nath'l Pot- 
ter discounted with ye Town of Brookline the sum of Twenty four 
pounds ten shillings & eight pence Lawfull money in Brookline 
Treasurers hands, due to my husband towards the repa^-meut of 
such part of his Settlement money as ye sd Town has Voted to 
Accept for ye whole 

Hannah Potter Attoruey for Mr. Nath'l Potter. 

Decem'r ye 12th 1759. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of 

Brookline Leggall}" Called 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted That this meeting be Adjourned, to Monday the 24th 

Instant at two of ye Clock in ye Afternoon. 

At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline on adjournment 
from Decein'er ye 19th to ye 24th Instant at two of the Clock in ye 
Afternoon P. M. 

The Churches Choice of Mr. Joseph Jackson being Read 

The Question whither the Town will Concur with the Churches 
Choice of Mr. Joseph Jackson to be their Gospel Minister and ye 
Vote Past Unanimously in the affirmative Concur. 

That the Sum of an Hundred thirt}' three Pounds Six Shillings 
& Eight pence be paid to Mr. Joseph Jackson for his settlement 
Mone}'- that is to Say the sum of Eighty Pounds to be immedi- 
ately Paid after he is Settled and the Remaining sums of Fifty 



193 

three pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence to be Paid in the year 
1761. Provided he accept ye Choice and be Ordained the Gospel 
Minister in this Town 

Voted That ye Sum of Eighty Pounds & Four Quarterly Con- 
tributions be Annually paid to Mr. Joseph Jackson for his Salary 
as ye Gospel Minister in this Town Provided he accepts the 
Choice and be Ordained Aqcordingly 

Voted That the Town will bring to Mr. Jos. Jacksons House 
Twenty Cords of good wood Annually Provided he Settles with 
us and has a Family 

Voted Jeremy Giidley Henry Sewall Esq'rs Capt. Craft Deacon 
White Deacon Davis & Isaac Gardner be a Commity to wait on 
Mr. Joseph Jackson and acquaint him with these Votes 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourn'd without Day 

Feb ye GtJi 1760 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Leggally Called. 

Mr. Jacksons Answer being Read 
Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 
Voted If in case that Contribution which was Voted Mr. Joseph 
Jacksou shall in an}- year during the Time of his being the Gospel 
Minister in this Town fall short of Thirtin Pounds Six Shillings 
& Eight pence ^ Annum. Such Deficienc}-, shall be made up 
Equal to the Above Named sum, of Thirteen Pounds Six Shil- 
lings and Eight pence 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day. 

Mr. Jacksons Answer Cambridge FeVy 2 1760 

To the Church & Congregation in Brookline 

My Christian Friends and Bi-etheren. 

Having b}' a Committe appointed by you for that purpose re- 
ceived an account of your proceedings with regard to the settle- 
ment of a Minister, and that the great nead of the Church, has 
disposed your hearis to make choice of me however unworthy, to 



194 

take the pastoral charge over j^ou, and to desire my answer to 
your kind Invitation 

This is therefore in answer to said invitation to infom 3'ou : that 
being deeply sensible of the difficulty and importance of a right 
discharge of the Ministerial office, and from such light as I have 
been able to obtain, I find mj^self disposd to accept of 3'our invi- 
tation, with this Proviso, that it shall pleas'd to engage, in case, 
that Contribution which was Voted shall in an}^ 3'ear fall short of 
thirteen Pounds, Six Shillings & Eight pence, that you will j^early 
during the time of my being 3'our Pastor, Make up such deficienc}^, 
so as to make a sum equal to thirteen Pounds, Six Shillings & 
Eight pence ^ annum which Sum I have been informed by certain 
Persons they Supposed the condition would amount to. 

I ask this not from an}' desire of making a large estate or living 
in extravagance at 3'our expense but on the other hand, that I ma}^ 
be so supported as to give m3'self wholly to the work of the Min- 
istry without any incumbrance on m}'- worldl}^ Affairs — And also 
that fixing the said Sum ma}' serve to prevent an}' future uneasi- 
ness, which Tho. I have no reason to expect from you in particu- 
lar, might Nevertheless possibly happen If I Should hereafter be 
necessitated to ask it. Your compliance with this alteration in 
your offers I may rather expect, by being informed in conversation 
that it was Very likely the Towu would comply with it, and also 
from that kind &; generous disposition you have already discovered 
to wards me. Thus my friends, I should choose to Settle among 
you, to spend & be spent for you, together with my reasons there- 
for, which I apprehend are no ways inconsistent with that Christian 
spirit which I desire to exercise to wards you nor with the Charac- 
ter of a Minister of Jesus Christ. 

And now may God so overrule your proceedings as shall most 
effectually tend to advance his glory & the welfare of your immor- 
tal Souls. 

If he should so order it, that I should be your Pastor, may I 



195 

have grace given me from above so to impart to you in spiritual 
things as that you. may never have occasion to repent of bestowing 
on me these that are temporal That the devine blessing may 
always rest upon 3'ou, and that you may have direction from Above 
in all 3-our proceedings, is the earnest Pra3-er of him who wishes 
your welfare in this & the coming world 

Joseph Jackson 
A true Copy Attest Isaac Gardner T. Clerk 

A copy of A, com'ttys Transactions in ye year 1756 is as follows 

BrookUne May ye ith 1756 

Whereas at a Meeting of ye Inhabitants of Brookline in the 
first day of March Last Legally called it was Voted that two Pews 
should be Erected on each side the Middle Ally in the Meeting 
House in the Room of the two hindemost seats And we the sub- 
scribers were chose a com't to Dispose of Sd Spaces and set a 
Price on them. 

Accordingly : We have Disposed of the spaces or spots on the 
Mens Side Next the Middle Ally, to Jery Gridley Esq'r He 
Paying to the Town Five Pounds, Six Shillings & Eight p. The 
other Spot on the Same Side to Mr. William Accorors He Pajing 
Five Pounds to the Town. The Spot or Space next to the Middle 
Ally we have Disposed of to Deacon Ebenezer Davis He Pa^'ing 
Five Pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence and the other spot on 
that Side to Capten Capt. Samuel Craft, he Paying the Town Five 
Pounds 

Samuel White A. Woodward Benj. Gardner Jona. Winches- 
ter Joseph White comm'tj^ 

Febr'y ye 12th 1760 A True Copy Attest I. Gardner T, Clerk 

March ye 3d 1760 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Called 

Yoled Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 
Voted To Choose Five Select Men 



196 

Voted Jereinj^ Gridley Henrj- Sewall Esq'rs Deacon Ebenezr 
Davis Isaac Gardner Jun'r and Mr. John Harris Jun'r Select 
Men & Assessors sworn 

Voted Isaac Gardner Jun'r Chosen Town Clerk & Treasurer 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. Thomas Woodward jr. Chosen Constable Sworn 

Voted Levt. Robert Sharp Surve,yor of Ways for ye North part 
Mr. Joseph Winchester for the Middle part and Mr. Timothy 
Harris for the South part, all sworn in their Office 

Voted Mr. Thomas Woodward & Mr. Ebenezer Sarjeant chosen 
Tithing Men for ye Insuing Year 

Voted Mr. Samuel Gardner & Mr. Joshua Boylston Fence 
Viewers 

Voted Mr. Samuel Clark Jun'r Clerk of the Market Sworn 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker Sealer of Leather Sworn 

Voted Hog Reaves Chosen Mr. Samuel White Jun'r Mr. Joshua 
Woodward Mr. Aaron Healy Mr. Thomas Aspinwall Sworn 

Voted The Swine go at Large this Year 

Voted A Com'ity to View ye Treasurers ac'ts Henry Sewall 
Esq Deacon Ebenezer Davis & Deacon Joseph White 

Voted Mr. Gadcomb & his Wife Executrix to ye Estate of Mr. 
Edward Devotion Deceased Shall be Indemnified, and Also that 
part of the Comm'ty which shall Indemnify said Gadcomb & Wife, 
Shall be Indemnified by the Town 

Voted To Supply Mr. Jos. Jackson with as much Firewood as he 
Shall have occasion for, within the Limits of the above Voted 
Twenty Cords Annually. 

Voted That the Day for Mr. Joseph Jackson's Ordination 
Should be the Seond Day of april Next 

Voted That Mr. Joseph Jackson's ordination be Adjourned to 
Wednesday the 9th Day of April 

Voted That Ten Pounds be Raised on the Real & Personal 



197 

Estates of the Inhabitants of the -Town to Defray the Charges 
of Said Ordination 

Voted That Mr. Moses White Mr. Isaac Winchester Mr. Elisha 
Gardner & Mr. Joshua Boylston be a Com'ty to provide for ye 
Counsel. 

Voted That the Inhabitants of ye South part of ye Town wljo 
Shall give their Names in at ye Next May Town Meeting for a 
school in that part of the Town, Shall be aided & assisted by ye 
Town In erecting a School house & Excused from Any Tax to 
wards ye Other Schooling of ye Town as long as the Said Inhab- 
itants keep up & Maintain Such Schooling 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

BrookUne April ye Wi 1760 
The Rev. Mr. Jos, Jackson Ordained 

May ye 24 1760 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 

Legally Called 

Voted Not to send a Representative ye Ensuing year 

Voted Edward White Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Raise One Hundred Pounds to Defray Charges that 

ma}^ arise 3'e Ensuing Year. 
Voted Not to Abate George Grigg's Rates for the Year 1758 
Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned with out Day 

July ye 18th 1760 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Called 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Accept ye List taken by the Select Men of Such Per- 
sons liable bj' Law to serve on ye Pettit Juries 

Voted That one Quarter of the Number in Said List Serve as 
Jurors at ye Superior Court of Judicature, and their names put 
into the Superior Box. 
26 



198 



Voted That the Eemainder in Said Lists servo as Jurors in the 
Inferior Court of Common Pleas & Court of General Sessions of 
Peace and their Names piit into ye Inferior Box. 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

March ye 2d 1761. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally called 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Choose five Select Men 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Henry Sewall Esq'rs Deacon Ebenez'r 
Davis Isaac Gardner and Mr. John Harris Jun'r Select Men and 
Assessors Sworn 

Voted Isaac Gardner jun'r Treasurer and Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted to Choose two Wardens 

Voted Mr. Robert Sharp & Mr. Wm. Ackors Chosen Wardens 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. Samuel Aspiuwall Chosen Constabl. Refus'd to 
Serve Paid his fine 

Voted Mr. Joshua Woodward Chosen Constabl. Refus'd to 
Serve Paid his fine 

Voted To Request of Mr. Thomas Woodward jun'r Avho offered 
to serve as Constable the ensuing Year for Six pounds Sworn 

Voted Mr, Benj'n White Surveyer for the Middle District 

Voted Mr. David Dana Surveyor for the South District 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker Survej^or for the North District 
sworn 

Voted Mr. Joshua Davis & Mr. Joshua Woodward Chosen 
Fence Viewers sworn 

Voted Deacon Clark Clerk of the Market " 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker Sealer of Leather " 

Voted Joseph White jun'r Chosen Hogreave but Excused . 

Aaron Healy & Francis Blanchard Hog Reaves sworn 

Voted The Hogs be shet up the ensuing year 



199 

Voted That Capt. Benja. White Deacon Jos. White & Deacon 
Ebenez'r Davis be a Committee to view the Treasurers Accounts 
& Make report of the Debt <fc Credit of said Town at next may 
Meeting 

Voted to allow the overlap- of the Committees Accounts of what 
was allowed by Town Vote for the Entertainment of the Ordina- 
tion of the Rev'd Mr. Jos. Jackson 

Voted to abate the Arers of Benj. Bridges Rates for the 3-ear 1759 

Voted That the Select Men for the 3"ear 17G1 be a Committee to 
La}' & Stake out a Road two Rods wide from Mr. Nehemiah Davis 
Gate to Roxbury iiue 

Voted That the Annual Sum of thirteen jjounds Six Shillings & 
Eiglit pence for the future be added to the Rev'd Mr. Jos Jacksons 
fixed Salar}' in lieu of the four Quarterly contributions Voted him 
and the deficiency hereof to be made up to said Sum by the Town. 

Voted To Paj- the Rev'd Mr. Jacksons Salary quarterly for the 
future 

Voted To have a Weekly Contribution for the future & each 
person to mark their Monc}'. 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day. 

May ye 18th 17G1. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Called 

Voted Not to send a Representative the Ensuing year 
Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 
Voted To Raise Sixty Pounds for the Present Year 
Voted To Receive of Henry Sewall Esq'r one of the Executors 
of the Estate of Sam'l White Esq'r Dec'd a Deed of a Woodlot 
Lying in Needham which Said Samuel Gave to the Town of 
Brookline 

Voted That the Upper School House be Repaired 
Voted That the Lore School House be Repaired and Kept for a 
School House and no other use 
Voted That this Meeting be adjourned without Day 



200 

June ye 29th 1761 Mr. Elisha Gardner Chosen Grandjuror for 
the 3'ear 

Jtdy ye Slst 17,Ql. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Called 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted That the List of Jurors taken by the Select Men be 
Allowed 

Voted To Transfer Mr. Robert Sharp jun'r Name from ye Infe- 
rior Box to the Superior Box. 

Voted That the Persons Named who ware taken by the Select 
Men be put into the Inferior jurors Box 

Voted That Mr. John Woodward be Grand jurior for August 
Court Drawn out of ye Superior Box Mr. Moses White 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day. 

JVovV ye 9th 1761. At. A meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally Called 

Voted Jer. Gridlej- Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted That ye Select men be a Committee to procure an attest- 
ed Copy from je records of ye House of Representatives of ye 
return of ye Valuation of xe Estates in the Town made b}^ the 
Assessors this Year. 

Voted That this meeting be Adjourned to Saturday ye 14th 
Instant Nov'r at Two of ye Clock in ye afternoon. 

NovW \9th 1761 At A meeting of the Inhabitants on Adjourn- 
ment 

Voted That the Select Men be a Committee To wait on the 
General Court for an abatement of Tax 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd without Day 



I 



201 

To all People, to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting. 
Know ye. That I Samuel White of Brookl3'n In the County of Suf- 
folk and Province of ye Massachusetts Bay in New England Esq'r 
For and in Consideration of the Sum of Forty pounds, to me in 
Hand before the Ensealing hereof, well and truly paid by the 
Select Men of said Town for ye use of Brooklin for a Woodlot to 
Supply The Minister or Ministers that may be Settled in Said 
Town from time to time. The Receipt whereof I do hereb}^ Ac- 
knowledge my Self therewith fully satisfied and contented and 
thereof and of every Part and Parcle thereof do exhonorate acqiut 
and discharge the Sd Select. Men of said Town of Brookline there 
Heirs, Executors & Administrators for ever by these Presents : 
Have given, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, conveyed & con- 
firmed unto them, the said Select Men in behalf of sd Town for 
the time being: A certain Tract of Woodland by Estimation 
Twent}' Acres more or Less. L3'ing Sc being In the Township of 
Needham on the North, side of Sherborn Road : Butted and 
bounded as followeth Northerly upon ye County Line Between 
ye County of Suffolk &; Midd'x Easterly upon Jer'y Fishers Hun- 
dred Acre Lot. Southerly upon Land of Benja. Miles- heirs and 
upon the Land of Peter Eads West or however Otherwise bounded 
or Reputed to be bounded. 

To Have and to Hold the Said granted & bargained Premises 
with all the Appurtenances, Priveledges & Commqpdities to the 
Same, belonging or in an}^ Wise Appertaining to the Said Town of 
Brookline Their Heirs & Assigs For ever : To their onl}' proper 
Use Benefit and Behoof forever. 

And I the Sd Samuel White for my Heirs Executors & Admin- 
istrators do covenant Promis and grant to and with the Sd Town 
their Heirs and Assigns that before the ensealing here of I am The 
true sole and Lawful Owner of ye above bargained Bargained 
Premises and am Lawfully Seized and posessed of the Same in 
own proper Rights as a good perfect & absolute Estate of Inheri- 
tance in Fee Simple : and have in my Self good right full Power, 



202 

and Lawful Authority to grant bargain, sell Convey and confirm 
Said bargained premises, in Manner as aforesaid : and that the Sd 
Town of Brookline their Heirs and Assigns shall and may from 
time to time and at all Times forever hereafter by Force and Vir- 
tue of these Presents Lawfully peaceably and quietly have hold use 
occupy posess and enjo}^ the Said demised and bargained prem- 
ises with all the Appurtenances, free and clear & freely & clearly 
acquited Exhonorate and discharge of and from all and all Man- 
ner of former or other Gifts, Grants,* Bargains, Sales. Leases, 
Mortgages, Wills Entails, Joynturs, Dowers, Judgments, Execu- 
tions, or Incumbrances of what name or Nature forever that might 
in any Measure or Degree obstruct or make Void this present 
Deed. 

Furthermore I the Sd Samuel White for my Self my Heirs Ex- 
ecutors & Administrators, do covenant and engage the above 
demised Premises to the Sd Town of Brookline & to their heirs 
and Assigns, against the lawful Claims or Demands of an}' person 
or Persons whatsoever for ever hereafter to Warrant, Secure and 
Defend by these Presents. In Witness hereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and Seal this fifth daj^ of March Annoque Domini 1759 
and in The Thirty Second Year of his Majesties Reign. 

Samuel White 
Signed Sealed and Delevered In Presince of us 

Jer. Gridley 
William Davis 
Suffolk ss JS'kirch 12. 1759 

The within named Samuel White Esq'r acknowledged this In- 
strument to be his act and Deed. 

Before me Jer Gridley Just, of Peace 
A Tru Copy Attest Isaac Gardner Jun T. Clerk 

March ye 22 1762 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legall}^ Called 

Voted Deacon Ebenez'r Davis Chosen Moderator 
Voted To Choose Five Select Men 



203 

Voted Deacon Ebenez'r Davis Capt. Benja. "White Isaac Gard- 
ner juii'r Mr. Robert Sharpe jun'r & Mr. John Harris jun'r Select 
Men & Assessors Sworn 

Voted Isaac Gardner Jun'r Town Treasurer & Clerk Sworn 
Voted Wardens Mr. Elisha Gardner & Mr. Thos. Aspinwall 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. John White Chosen Constable who appeared b}'' 
Edw'd White Esq'r & Refused to serve 

Voted To Accept Mr. Samuel Aspinwall who offered to serve as 
Constable the Ensuing year for the sum of Six pounds Thirteen 
Shillings & Eight pence Sworn 

Voted A Committe to View the Treasurers Acc'ts Henry Sewall 
Jer Gridley Esq'r & Capt. Benja. White 

Voted Capt. Samuel Craft Surve3'or for the North part Sworn 
Voted Mr. Benja. White Survej'er for the Middle part Sworn 
Mr. Isaac Child jun'r for the South District sworn 
Voted Mr. William Ackers Mr. John Heath chosen Fence 
Viewers sworn 

Voted Deacon Clark Clerk of the Market 
Voted Mr. Peter Parker sealer of Leather sworn 
Voted Francis Blanchard Oliver White Chosen Hog Reaves 
sworn 

Voted To closter the Hogs this Present Year 
Voted Whether the Town will Remit unto Mr. Solomon Hill 
any part of the Legacy left Said Town by Mr. Edward Devotion 
Dec'd and it pasd not to Remit any part of said Legacy 
Voted To get a Black Velvet Pall 

Voted The Select Men be a Committee to Buy Said Pall 
Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

May ye \Wi 1762. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook-, 
line Legally Called 

Voted Not to send a Representative the Ensuing Year (by Rea- 
son not Oblig'd to send by Law) 



204 

Voted Deacon Davis chosen Moderator Refused 
Voted Mr. Neheraiah Davis Ctiosen Moderator Refused 
Voted Henrj" Sewall Esq'e Chosen Moderator Refused 
Voted Capt Benja. White Chosen Moderator Accepted 
Voted To Raise One Hundred & thirty Pounds to Defray the 
Present years Charges 

Voted Whether the Town will appropriate the use of the Legacy ; 
Left said Town by Mr. Edward Devotion Dec'd To a school and it 
pas'd to Appropriate sd Legacy to the use of Keeping a School 

Voted That' the Middle School House where it now Stands Be 
the place to Keep a school with the Interest of the Legacy left 
said Town by Mr. Edward Devotion Dec'd 

Voted To Choose a Committee to take care of and let out the 
Legacy left the Town by Mr. Edward Devotion Dec'd 

Voted a Committee Mr. Nehemiah Davis Mr. Nath'l Seaver 
Deacon Jos White Deacon Ebenez'r Davis & Isaac Gardner 

Voted That the Attornies of Mrs. Mary Gatcomb be desired to 
receive the money which she as Executrix of Mr. Edward Devotion 
has Recovered against Mr. Solomon Hill on his Mortgage to said 
Devotion and pay what is the Towns due of it to the School Com- 
mittee now appointed and the Town will upon such Payment in- 
demnifie the said Mary Gatcomb & said Attornies their Executors 
& Administrators from all Demands that may be made against 
them or either of them from any Creditors or Legatees of sd De- 
votion to the Value they shall so pay to sd Committee 

Voted That the Select Men Shall hire help to pull up the Bar- 
bary bushes that are in the Burjnng place 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourn'd without Day. 

We the Subscribers a Committee of the Town of Brookline in 
the County of Suffolk to take care of & let out at Interest the the 
Money given by Edward Devotion as a Legacy for ye use of a 
School in said Town have received of Jer Gridley Henry Sewall 



205 

Isaac Gardner Robert Sharp & Thomas Aspinwall Attornies of 

Marj' Gatconib Executrix of Said Devotions Will three hundred 

and eight half Johannes of full weight for the purpose of Sd 

Legacy 

Nehemiah Davis 

May 24. 1762 Nath'l Sever 

Joseph White 
Ebenez'r Davis 
Isaac Gardner jun'r 

A true Copy Examined p Isaac Gardner jun'r T. Clerk 

Rec'd of Jer Gridley Isaac Gardner Robert Sharp & Thomas 
Aspinwall Attornies of Mary Gatcomb Executrix of the will of 
Edward Devotion lat of Brookline the Sum of One hundred & 
twelve pounds one Shilling Lawful money in full of all Dues & 
Demands which Samuel White Esq'r late of Sd Brookline Deceasd 
or us his Executors had on the Estate of Sd Devotion or against 
his Sd Executrix 

May 24 1762 Henry Sewall 

Ebenez'r Craft 

A true Copy Examined p Isaac Gardner jun'r Town Clerk 

Rec'd of Jer Gridley Henry Sewall Isaac Gardner Robert 
Sharp and Thomas Aspinwall Attornies of Mary Gatcomb Execu- 
trix of the will of Edward Devotion late of Brookline The sum 
of Twenty Six pounds eighteen Shillings & eight Pence for ye 
Payment of the Principal & Interest of mj^ Bond to Mr. Edward 
Ruggles of Cambridge which I entered into on acc't of Said Devo- 
tion Legacy to the Town of Brookline 

3Iay 24. 1762 Robert Sharp 

A true Copy Examined p Isaac Gardner jun'r T. Clerk 

Rec'd of Jer Gridley Henry Sewall Isaac Gardner and Thos. 
Aspinwall Attornies of Mary Gatcomb Executrix of the will of 

27 



206 

Edward Devotion late of Brookline the sum of fifteen Ponnds & 
four pence lawful money, for purchasing a Silver Tankard for the 
Church of ye Town of Brookline according to ye will of Mr. 
Edward Devotion Dec'd 

May 24 17G2 Robert Sharp 

A true Cop3^ Examined g) Isaac Gardner jun'r T. Clerk 

March ye 1th 1763 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants! of Brook- 
line Legally Assembled 

Voted Jer Gridley Esq'r was Chosen Moderator 

Voted Isaac Gardner Jun'r Esq'r was Chosen Clerk & Town 
Treasurer Sworn 

Voted Deacon Ebeneze. Davis, Isaac Gardner Ju'r Esq'r Capt. 
Benja. White Mr. Robert Sharp Jun'r and Mr. John Harris Jun'r 
were Chosen Select Men & Assessors for the Ensuing year Sworn 

Voted Mr. Thomas Griggs & Mr. John Heath were Chosen 
Warders for the Ensueing year 

Mr. John Heath Sworn as "Warder 

Mr. Thomas Griggs Sworn as Warder 

Voted That the Select Men for this Ensuing year be a Commit- 
tee to examine the Treasur's and the School Trustee's Accounts & 
make report next May meeting 

Voted To mend the Highways a'C Ensuing year by a Rate. 

Voted That Mr. Joshua Davis be Survej-or of the highwaj^ for 
the North District. Sworn. 

Voted That Mr. Thos. Woodward Jun'r be Surveyor of the 
Highways for the Middle District Sworn 

Voted That Mr. Joshua Woodward be Surveyor of the High- 
ways for the South District Sworn 

Voted Mr. Thos. Aspinwall Jun'r & Mr. Samuel Gardner were 
Chosen Fence Viewers & Sworn 

Voted Deacon Clark Clark of the Market 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker was Chosen Sealer of Leather. Sworn 



20T 

Voted The Select Men set ye Price of Labour and the number 
of hours for a Daj's work on the highwa3'S 

Voted Wheither the hoggs Run at large 3'e ensuing year passed 
in the Negative 

Voted That Mr. Nath'l Griggs & Mr. Joseph Woodward be hog 
reves for the Ensuing year 

Voted That, that ye Commttee for laying out & staking 3'e 
Eoad from Mr. Nehemiah Pavis' Gate to Roxbur3' line proceed 
and make a return of their Doing Next Ma3r meeting 

Voted Mr. John Goddard is chosen Constable for 3'e Town of 
Brookline for the ensuing 3-ear and 3'e Town Voted him Ten 
pounds for that service he accepted accordingly and was sworn. 
Melting adjourned without Daj- 

3Iay ye I9th 17 G3 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline Legall3^ Called 

Voted Not to send a representative the Ensuing 3'ear 

Voted Jer. Gridlev Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted To accept the the Committees Report of the the Treas- 
urers Accounts 

Voted Mr, Thomas Aspinwall Juu'r Surveyor of wa3-s for the 
North District (In lew of Mr. Joshua Davis Removed out of 
To^n) 

Voted To Raise Fort3' pounds for the present 3'ear 

Voted To Raise Money to Defray any Charge or Charges that 
may, or shall, arise, on account of the Tax Laid on Rents Re- 
ceived. 

Voted The SelectMen may Advance any Sum of mone3' that 
they shall think proper, or Needful to defend a sute of Law, against 
any Person or Persons, that shall or may Sue for the abatement of 
their Tax or Rents Received 

Voted That the SelectMen of Said town shall dispose of the 
Goods Belonging to Mr. Joshua Stedman (Dec'd) at a Publick 
Vendue, and the Town will Indemnify said Select Men thereon. 



208 



Voted That the Present SelectMen with Henry Sewall Esq'r 
and Deacon Joseph White be a Committee to Pain and Renew ye 
Bounds of the Ministerial Woodlot in Needam, and also to take 
the Care of the Trees that are blown Down in said Lot. 

Voted Mr. Nehemiah Davis, Isaac Gardner Jun'r Erq'r and Mr. 
Nath'l Seaver be a Committee to dispose of Mr. Obediah Druces 
Pew 

Voted This Meeting be adjourned without Day 

June ye 20th 1763. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 

Town of Brookline Legally Called 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Chosen Moderator 

Voted That the List of Jurors taken by the Select Men be allowed 

Voted That Mr. Caleb ^Yoodward be the Grand Juror for the 

Ensuing year • 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourn'd without Day 

March ye 5th 1764. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline Legally Called 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Choose Five Selectmen 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis, Isaac Gardner Esq'r Capt. Ben- 
jamin White Capt. Robert Sharp & Mr. John Harris Jun'r Chosen 
Select Men & Assessors for the Ensuing 3'ear and Sworn. 

Voted Isaac Gardner Jun'r Esq'r Chosen Clerk & Town Treas- 
urer Sworn 

Voted Thos. Aspinwall Jun'r & Thos, Woodward Jun'r Chosen 
Wardens for the Ensuing Year Sworn 

Voted Lent. Elisha Gardner Chosen Surve^^or of ways for the 
Middle District Sworn 

Voted Mr. Elijah Whitney Chosen Survej-or of ways for the 
North District Sworn 

Voted Mr. Timothy Harris Chosen Surveyor of Ways for the 
South District and Sworn 



209 

Voted Henry Sewall Esq'r Lent. Nath'l Seaver and Deacon 
Joseph White Chosen A Committee to View the Treasurers Ac- 
counts & make report at next May Meeting. 

Voted Lent. Isaac Winchester & Mr. Samuel Gardner Chosen 
Fence Viewers and Sworn 

Voted Deacon Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker Chosen Sealer of Leather Sworn 

Voted Mr. Fra. Blanchard & Jethamiah Thaj-er chosen Hog- 
reaves Sworn 

Voted To Accept Mr. Wm. Davis who offered to serve as 
Cons'l & Collector the Ensuing year for seven pounds, fifteen shil- 
lings, sworn 

Voted To mend the Highways in said Town the Ensuing year by 
a Eate. 

Voted That the Select Men for the Ensuing j-ear set the price 
of Labour & the Number Hours for a Days work to the Highways 
in said Town 

Voted Wheither the Swine run at large the Ensuing year & it 
pas'd in the Negative. 

Voted Wheither the Town will accept the Report of the Com- 
mittee that had the Dispose of the Pew Belonging to Mr. Obadiah 
Drace and it past in the Negative 

Voted That this meeting be Adjournd without Day 

BrooUine March ye 1st 1 764 
We the Subscribers Being Chosen by the Freeholders of Brook- 
line at A Meeting in May 1763 to Dispose of a Deserted Pew for- 
merly belonging to Mr. Obadiah Druce Report that Mr. John 
Goddard Should have the above mentioned Pew he paying to the 
Town Six Pounds thirteen shilling & four pence for the same. 
Nehemiah Davis Nath Sever. Commttee 
The above is a true Cop}-- of ye Report Attest ; 

I Gardner Ju. Tn. Clerk 



210 

May ye 2Hth 1764 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brookline Legally Wavn'd 

Voted Not to send a Representative the Ensuing year 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r chosen Moderator 

Voted Whether the Pew between 3'e Mens Stairs and the Pew 
lately belonging to Sam'll White Esq Deceasd has been, disposd 
of & it Past in 3'e Negative 

Voted Whether the Town will dispose of it & It past in 3'e 
Affirmative 

Voted Whether the Town will pay back to Mr. Obadiah Drace 
so much Mone3^ the Town Received for the Spot or Space whereon 
said Pew was built & the Cost of Building the same, and it past 
in the Affirmative 

Voted Whether said Pew shall be dispos'd of b3' Vendue and It 
past in the Negative 

Voted Docs the Town dispose of Said Pew to Deacon Joseph 
White and to his Heirs forever & it past in the Affirmative 

Voted For what Price and it Past for Twelve pounds Lawful 
Money, Accepted b3' Deacon White 

Voted To Raise the sum of Sixty pounds upon the real & person- 
al Estates of the Inhabitants of the Town to Defra3' 3'e necessary 
Charges of the Town this 3'ear 

Voted That 3'e wa3' from Mr. Nehemiah Davis Gate to Roxbury 
Line as stak'd out by the Towns Committee for that Purpose be 
Accepted & Recorded 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd without Da3" 

March ye A/h 1765 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
town of Brookline Legall3' Called 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Choose Five Select Men. 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis, Isaac Gardner Jun'r Esq'r Capt. 
Robert Sharp Jun'r Mr. Moses White & Mr. John Harris Jun'r 
Select Men & Assessors Sworn 



211 

Voted To hire a Constable the Ensuing yeav 

Voted To Accept Mr. AVm. Davis as Constable & Collector for 
the ensuing year who offer'd to serve in said office for the sum of 
Eight Pounds Lawful mone}'. Sworn 

Voted Isaac Gardner Jun'r Esq Chosen Clerk & Town Treas- 
urer Sworn 

Voted Mr. Nehemiah Davis & Mr. Samuel Gardner Chosen 
Wardens. Sworn 

Voted Capt. Robert Sharp Mr. John Goddard & Mr. Caleb 
'Woodward Chosen Survej'ors of highway's Sworn 

Voted To mend the Highwa^-s the Ensuing year by a Rate 

Voted Mr. Elijah Whitney & Mr. Wm. Ackers. Fence Viewers 

Voted Mr. Joseph Winchester Sealer of Leather Sworn 

Voted Deacon Clark Clark of the Market 

Voted Capt. Benja. White Mr. John Goddard & Mr. Wm. 
Ackers Chosen a Commit'ee to View the Treasurers Accounts 
(Town & School) & Make Return at next May Meeting 

Voted Mr. Peter Parker & Mr. Nath'l Griggs chosen Hog 
reaves Sworn 

Voted that the Swine do not go at large the Ensuing year 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd without Day 

May ye 23d 1765 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brookline Legally Called 

Voted Whether to send a Representative the Ensuing year and 
it Past in the Negative Unanimously 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Chosen Moderator 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd to Tuesday the forth Day 
of June next at Two o'clock afternoon 

At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline on 
Adjournment from May ye 23d to June ye 4th at Two o'Clock 
afternoon met 



212 

Voted To Raise the Sum of Fifty five pounds upon the Real & 
Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of sd Town to Defray the nec- 
essary Charges of the Present year. 

Voted To Adjourn this Meeting Without Day. 

1766 March ye 3rd. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline Legally Called 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Choose Five Select Men 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis, Isaac Gardner Esq'r Major. 
Robert Sharp, Capt. Benjam. White and Mr. John Harris Jun'r 
Selectmen and Assessors Sworn 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen, Town Clerk & Treasurer 
Sworn 

March ye 3rd 1766. 

Voted, Mr. Joshua Boylston & Mr. Caleb Woodward Chosen 
Wardens the Ensuing year Sworn 

Voted Mr. Isaac Winchester Mr. John Goddard Capt. Benjam. 
White Capt. Elisha Gardner & Mr. Thos Griggs Chosen A 
Committee to View the Treasurers Accounts the Schools as well 
as the Towns & Make Report at next Mnj Meeting 

Voted Mr. John Heath Surveyor of Ways for the Middle 
District Sworn 

Voted Mr. Isaac Winchester Survej'or of Ways for the North 
District Sworn 

Voted Mr. Isaac Child Surveyor of Ways for the South 
District Sworn 

Voted To mend the Highhwa3's in Said Town the Ensuing year 
By a rate. 

Voted Mr. Benja. Davis Chosen Constable Refused to Serve 
in Said Office 

Voted Mr. Samuel White Chosen Constable Refused to serve 
in Said office 



213 

Voted Mr. Sam'll Aspinwall & Mr. Joshua Woodward Chosen 
Fence Viewers Sworn 

Voted Mr. Elhauan Winchester Chosen Sealer of Leather 

Voted Deacon Clark Clerk of the Market 

Voted To shut up the Swine the Ensuing j-ear 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned to Thursdfl}- the Sixth 
Instant at Two o'Cloek Afternoon 

March ye 6th 1766 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklinfe on Adjournment from March ye 3rd to March 
ye 6th at Two o'Cloek afternoon then met 

Voted Whither the Town wall Excuse Mr. Bcnja. Davis & Mr. 
Samuel White from Serving Constable the Ensuing year & it pas't 
in the Negative 

Voted Whither the Town will Excuse Mr. Benja. Davis from 
Serving Constable the Ensuing year & it pass'd in the Affirmative 

Voted Whither the Town will Excuse Mr. Samuel White from 
serving Constable the Ensuing year & it pass'd in the Affirmative 

Voted Mr. Aaron White & Mr. Thomas White Chosen Hog- 
reaves for the Ensuing ye&v 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday ye 17th In- 
stant at Two o'clock Afternoon 

Mcaxh ye 11th 1766 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline on Adjournment from March ye 6th to March 
ye 17th at Two o'Cloek afternoon then met 

Voted To hire a Constable for the Ensuing 3'ear 

Voted To accept of Mr. William Davis as Constable and Col- 
lector for the Ensuing year who offer'd to Serve in Said office for 
the sum of Ten pounds Lawful Mone}^ & was Sworn 

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned without Daj' 

28 



214 

3{ay ye 2\st 176G. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline Legally Warned 

Voted Not to Send a Representative the Ensuing year. 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Raise the Sum of Thirty Pounds on the Real and Per- 
sonal Estates of the Inhabitants of the Town to Defray ye Neces- 
sary charges of the Town this Year 

Voted Whether the Town will continue the Keeping of the Gram- 
mar School and it Past in the Negative 

Voted Whether the Town wall abate Joseph Woodwards Rates 
for the year 1763 and it Passed in the Affermative 

Voted Whether the Town proceed with Mr. Robert Williams in 
a course of Law Respecting Rates for the year 1763 and it Past 
in the Negative 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourud without Da}- 

March ye 2nd 11 Ql At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookl3-n Legally Warned 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted Five Selectmen 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Isaac Gardner Esq'r Capt. Benja. 
White, Mr. John Harris, Jun'r and Mr. John Goddard Chosen 
Selectmen & Assessors Sworn 

Voted Isaac Gardner Chosen Town Clerk and Treasurer 
Sworn 

Voted Capt. Timothy Parker & Mr. Gulliver Winchester 
Chosen Wardens for the Ensuing Year Sworn 

Voted Mr. Samuel Gardner Chosen Surveyor of Ways for the 
Middle District Sworn 

Voted Mr. Thos Aspinwall Jun'r Chosen Surveyor for the 
North District Sworn 

Voted Mr. Caleb Craft Chosen Surveyor of Ways for the South 
District Sworn 



215 

Voted To mend the Highways in said Town the Ensuing year by 
a Rate 

Voted Whethev tlie Town will allow Mr. Nehemiah Davis Ac- 
count for keeping the Widow Bowen and it past in the Negative 

Voted Whether the Town will stand a Suit in Law with Mr. 
John Boylston, Administrator to the Estate of Zab'l Boylston 
Esq'r Dec'd on account of Frank Levant a poor Person and it Past 
in the affermative 

Voted Mr. Thomas Aspinwall Jun'r & Mr. Benjamin Davis 
Chosen Fence Viewers the Ensuing year Sworn 

Voted Mr. Elhanan Winchester Chosen Sealer of Lsather 

Voted Mr. Ebauezer Sergant Chosen Clark of the Market 

Voted Mr. Thomas Kendrick & Mr. Jethaniah Thayer Chosen 
Hog reaves the Ensuing year Sworn 

Voted Mr. Wm. Davis Chosen Cons'l & Collector for ye sum 
of Ten pounds Sworn. 

Voted That Capt. Elisha Gardner Mr. Isaac Child & Mr. John 
Heath be the Committee to View the Treasurers Acc'ts & make 
Report at next May meeting. 

Voted That this Meeting be adj.ourned without Day 

3Ia}j ye 2oth 1767 At A meeting of the Lihabitants of the Town 
of Brooklyn Legally Warned 

Voted To Send A Repesentative for the Ensuing year 
Voted Jememy Gridley Esq'r Chosen Moderator 
Voted To Choose A Committee to Dispose of the Pew that Be- 
longed to Zab. Boylston Esq'r late of Brooklyn Dec'd 

Voted To Choose Five Persons to be of the Committee Viz. 
Henr}^ Sewall Isaac Gardner Esq'rs Joshua Boj'lston Lent. Sever 
& Mr. Jos. Winchester. 

Voted To leugthen the Mens Seats in the Front Gallery into the 
Womens Gallery as far as the Brace Excepting the Foremost 
Seat. 



216 

Voted To Biiild Two Family Pews one over the Mens Stairs & 
the other over the Womens Stairs 

Voted That the SelectMeu & Mr. Gulliver Winchester and Mr. 
John Harris be the Committee to Dispose of the Spots or Spaces 
over the Mens & Wouiens Stairs to Build Pews thereon 

Voted Not to open the Grammar School for the Summer Season 

Voted To Allow Doctor Kings Account for Administrations to 
Mrs. Mary Bowen in he Sickness the sum of £1. 5. 2. 

Voted To adjourn this Meeting to June ye 12th at 2 o'Clock 
A. M. 

Jane ye Vlth 1767 At A Meeting of tlie Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn on Adjournment from May 25th to June ye 
12th at 2 o'clock A. M then Meet the Question put by the Select 
Men 

Voted Whither this Meeting Shall be Adjournd to a future 
Day and it pas'd in the Affermitive 

(on Account of Jer. Gridley Esq'r In disposition, 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourn'd to Monda}- the 29th 
Day of this Instant June at five of the Clock A. M. 

June ye 29/11 17G7 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn on Adjournment from ye 29th of June meet 

Voted and the Question put whither this meeting shall be fur- 
ther Adjourn'd for the above Reason Viz Jerem}^ Gridley's Indis- 
position to July ye 13th Da^' at 4 of the Clock in the afternoon 
and it past in the atfermative 

July ye 13th 1767 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookl^m on Adjournment from ye 29th of June to ye 
18th of July meet 

Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Moderator 

Voted whither the Town will Remove the upper womans shool 
to the South District and it Past in the Affermative 



217 ■ ^ 

Voted whether the Town -will provide a Room at the Charge of 
the Towu to Keep said Womans School in for the Present and it 
past in the affermative 

Vote(| Whither the Town will Reconsider the Vote for not Open- 
ing the Grammar School for the Summer Season and it past to 
Reconsider Said Vote 

Voted Wheither the Town will Open the Grammar School for 
the Summer Season and it past in the Affermative To Open Sd 
School 

The Question Put for how Long a Time 

Voted For one 3'ear 

Voted Wheither the Towu will Accept of the Committees Re- 
port Respecting Viewing the Treasurers Accounts for ye School as 
well as the Towns and it past in 3'e Affermative 

Voted To Raise on the Polls. Real & Personal Estates of the In- 
habitants of Said Town «k Non Residents the Sum of One Hun- 
dred & Ten Pounds to Defray' the Necessary Charges of this Pres- 
ent Year. 

Voted That this Meeting be adjourn'd without Day 

At A meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklyn 
Legally Warn'd 

Voted Jeremy Gridley Esq'r Unanimously Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Raise on the Polls Real & Personal Estates of the In- 
habitints of said Town and the Non Residents the Sum of One 
Hundred and Twent}' Pounds. 

Voted Whether a Grammar school Master shall be provided for 
the Middle School throughout the year & it Past in the Negative 

Voted Whether said School shall be Kept for Nine Months and 
it past in the Negative 

Voted Whether said School be Kept Sixe Months and it past 
in the Affermative 

Voted Whether the Upper School shall be removed to anj' other 
other Place & it past in ye Affirmative 



218 

Voted The Question put to what place, and it past to Remove 
Said School to the South District 

Voted Whether the Town will Build a School house for that 
Purpose & It past in 3'e Negative 

Voted Whether The Town will come into any other way than is 
usual for the Maintanane of their Poor and it past that the 
Select Men shall provide for them in the Cheapest and best man- 
ner they can. 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd without Day. 

Decern'' r loth, 1767 At A Meeting of the Freeholders & other 
Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklyn Legally Assembled at the 
Meeting-house on Tuesda}- ye 15th of Decenib'r 1767 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted Unanimoush' That this Town will take all prudent and 
Legal Measures to promote Industry, Occouimy & Manufactures 
in this Province & in any of the British American Colonies and 
will likewise lake all Legal Measures to Discourage the Use of 
European Superfluities. 

Voted To Choose Five Persons Viz William Ih-slop Esq'r Capt. 
Benjam. White Isaac Gardner Esq'r Mr. John Goddard and Mr. 
Samuel Aspinwall be a Committee to prepare a form for Sub- 
scription against Receiving of those European Superfluities and 
make Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting. 

Voted To Adjourn this Meeting to Tuesday the twentj'-Ninth 
Day of Decem'r at two, o'Clock, afternoon. 

Decern'/- ye 2^th 1767. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of The 
Town of Brooklyn on Adjournment from Decem'r ye 13th, to 
Decemb'r ye 29th, at Two o'Clock afternoon then meet 

Isaac Gardner Esq'r Moderator 

The Report of the Committee being Red. 

Voted To accept of said Report 



219 

Voted To Choose a Committee of Three Persons Viz. Mr. Sam'l 
Aspinwall Mr. Williaiji Ackers and Mr, John Goddard to View 
the Committees Report to the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of 
Said Town in order for them to Signe if they think propper 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Da^^ 

March ye Ith 1768 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brooklyn Legally Warned 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Choose Five Select Men 

Voted Capt. Benja. White Isaac Gardner Esq'r John Harris 
John Goddard & Thomas Griggs Chosen SelectMeu &. Assessors 
for the Ensuing year Sworn 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted Deacon Ebenez'r Davis Chosen Treasurer Sworn 

Voted To Clioose a Constable for the Ensuing year 

Voted Mr Benja. Davis Choose Constable for the Ensuing year 
& Refused to Serve 

Voted Mr. Gulliver Winchester Choose Constable for the En- 
suing year & Refused to Serve 

Voted To Reconsider the Vote for Choosing a Constable and to 
hire one for the Ensuing year 

Voted Mr. William Davis Chosen Constable and Collector for 
the Ensuing year, who offered to Serve Sd Town for the Sum of 
Ten pounds Sworn 

Mr. Isaac Child & Mr. Benja'n Davis Chosen Wardens for the 
Ensuiug Year 

Voted Capt. Timothy Parker Chosen Surveyor of Ways for the 
North District 

Voted Mr. John Heath Chosen Surve^'or of Ways for the Mid- 
dle District 

Voted Mr. Gulliver Winchester Chosen Surveyor of the High- 
ways for the South District Sworn 



220 

Voted To Continuf the Grammar School three months Longer 
To Adjourn this meeting to March 3-e.l4th at 3 of ye Clock 
afternoon 

March ye litli 17G8 At A meeting of Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brookl3'n on Adjournment from March ye 7th, to March \q 
14th, at Three of the Clock in the afternoon & then Meet 

Deacon Ebenezer Davis Moderator 

Voted Messirs ; Joshua Boylston Nehemiah Da^ds Sam'l Davis 
John Goddard Joseph Winchester «fe Thos. Woodward Jun'r that 
they be Sepperated from the Middle District and put into a Sep- 
perate District by themselves for one j-ear to mend the Highways 
in Saide Town from Vaughns to the Grammar School House & 
from Mr. Nehemiah Davis House to the Roxbury line their full 
proportion of worli to the Highways as the}^ shall be Assessed b}'' 
the Assessors. 

Voted Mr. Nehemiah Davis Chosen Survej-or of Ways for the 
above Seperated District from the Middle District 

Voted Capt Elisha Gardner Mr. Moses White Chosen Fence 
Viewers Sworn 

Voted Deacon Elhanan Winchester Chosen Sealer of Leather 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. William Whitney Chosen Clark of ye Market 

Voted That the Select Men be the Committee to View the 
Treasurers Accounts the School as well as the Towns & make 
Report next may meeting of the Debt & Credit of Said Town 

Voted That William Hyslop Esq'r have the Pew that lately Be- 
longed to Zab'l Boylston Esq'r Dec'd the above Said Hyslop 
paying as a Consideration for Said Pew the Sura of Twelve pounds 
to the Town Treasurer. 

Voted That the whole or part of the Poor in Said Town that go 
to any Person or Persons that will Keep them Cheepest 

Voted To mend the Highwaj^s in Said Town the Ensuing year 



221 

by a Rate and the Select Men to set the price on Labour & the 
number of Hours for a Days work &c. 

Voted That the Town will be Aiding and assisting the South 
District in Building a Schoohouse 

Voted That said School House be of the same bigness of the 
Womans School House that is in the Middle District 

May ye l^tli 1768. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn Legally Warn'd 

Voted To send a Representative for the Ensuing Year 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Chosen Representative and 
Refused to Serve 

Voted Capt, Benjam. White Chosen Representative 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Chosen Moderator 

Voted That Isaac Gardner Esq'r have a full Discharge as Treas- 
urer to ye Town 

Voted That the Committee that Viewed the Above Said Treas- 
urers accounts give said Treasurer a full Discharge on the Towns 
Treasury Book 

Voted Unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be given to 
Isaac Gardner Esq'r as being Treasurer to Said Town A TsTumber 
of Years 

Voted That the Select Men be Impowered to hire as much Mon- 
ey to Pay off the Rerages in Said Town as they shall think prop- 
per. 

Voted To Raise the Sum of One Hundred & fiftj^ Pounds on the 
Polls & Real & Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of Said Town 

Voted Thit Mr. Nehemiah Davis be allowed the Sum of five 
shillings pr. Week for keeping of the Widow Bowing. 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjournd without Day 

Sep'r ye 19th 1768 At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn Legally Assembled 

Voted Capt. Benja'u White Chosen Moderator. 
29 



222 ■ 

Voted That the Sum of One Hundred Ponnds Lawful Money be 
Raized on the Polls Real & Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of 
Saide Town and to be aded to the Tax for the Present year in 
order to pay William Hyslops Esq'r Said Sum which the Select 
Men Borrowed for Said Town 

Voted that this meeting be Adjournd without Day 

Sept. ye 21th. 1768 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 

Town of Brooklj-n Legally Warn'd 
Voted William Hj^slop Esq'r Chosen Moderator 
Voted To Choose a Committee man to Joine the Committee from 

the Several Towns at Faneuil Hall 

Voted that Capt. Benjam. White be the Committee man 
Voted that This Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

March 'ye 6th 1769 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn Legally Assembled 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Choose Five Select Men 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Mr. John Harris Capt Elisha Gard- 
ner Mr. John Goddard & Mr. Thos. Griggs Chosen Select Men 
& Assessors Sworn 

Voted Capt. Benja. White Chosen a Select Man Refused to 
Serve 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted Deacon Ebenez'r Davis Chosen Town Treasurer 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White & Capt. Timo. Parker Wardens 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. James Wesson Mr. John Heath Mr. Jos. Winchester 
& Mr. Daniel Dana Chosen Surveyors of Ways for said Town 
Sworn 

Mr. Thos. Aspinwall Jun'r & Mr. Robert Sharp Chosen Fence 
Viewers for Sd Town & Sworn 

Voted Deacon Eha'n Winchester Sealer of Leather 



223 

Voted Mr. Eleaz'r Baker Clark of the Market & Weigher of 
Bread 

Voted Mr. William Davis Chosen Constable & Collector who 
offered to serve Sd Town for the Sum of Ten pounds and Sworn 

Voted Mr. John Goddard, Capt. Benja'n White & Mr Isaac 
Child Chosen a Committee to View the Treasurers Acc'ts Town 
& School & make Report at next May meeting 

Voted Mr. Isaac Child Chosen School Committee man in the 
Room of Mr. Nath'l Sever Dec'd 

Voted Mr. Nehemiah Davis, Capt. White Deacon Ebenezer 
Davis Chosen a Committee to See if there is any Landing place 
Belonging to sd Town 

Voted That Deacon Ebenez'r Davis & Mr. Thos. Aspinwall 
have leave to Build Tombs in the Burpng place 

Voted Aaron Childs & Jacob Sharp Chosen hogreaves 
Sworn 

Voted To mend the Highways in Said Town by a Rate the En- 
suing 3^ear & the Select Men to set the price on Labour & the 
Number of Hours for a Days work 

Voted To Adjourn this Meeting without Day 

Mayye29th 1769. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookl3n Legally Assembled 
Voted To Send a Representative this year 
Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Chosen Representative 
Voted Isaace Gardner Esq'r Chosen Moderator 
Voted To Choose a Committee to give the Representative Instruc- 
tions Viz. William Hyslop Esq'r Capt Sam'l Craft Isaac Gard- 
ner Esq'r Isaac Winchester & Mr. Isaac Child 

Voted to give Doctor Eliphalet Downer Four Dollars pr week 
for Boarding & Nursing Francis Leveaque in his Last sickness 5 
Weeks. 

Voted To Open a Womens school in the middle of the Town 



224 

Voted To Adjourn this Meeting to May ye .30th at Six of the 
Clock in the afternoon 

By adjournment to May ye 30th at Six of the Clock in the after- 
noon the Inhabitants of Sd Town then meet 

Isaac Gardner Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To accept the Committees Instruction to their Represen- 
tative 

Voted to adjourn this meeting to June ye 12th at 3 Clock in ye 
afternoon. 

June ye 12f,h 1769. at an Adjournment of the Inhabitants of 
Brooklyn at 3, o' Clock in ye afternoon & then met 

Voted That this meeting be stil Adjourned to June ye Nine- 
teenth Day, of this Instant June at four of the Clock in the after- 
noon 

Jane ye 12t,h 1769 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brooklyn Legally Warn'd 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Moderator. 

Voted That Messirs Isaac Child & Mr. John Goddard Eequest 
Respecting their ha^ang Spaces or Spots in Some part of the Meet- 
ing House to Build them Fainily Pews (by their Desire their Re- 
quest is Refered over to ye next annual March Meeting which will 
be Anno Do. 1770 

June ye \9th 1769 at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookljm 
on adjournment from June ye 12th to June ye 19th then meet 

Isaac Gardner Esq'r Moderator 

Voted to Raise the Sum of One Hundred & Sixty pounds on the 
Polls Real & Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of said Town 

Voted That Capt. Benja'n White have Liberty to Build him a 
Tomb for his family in the Burying place in Sd Town provided 
he diggs at a propper distance from any Tomb or Grave so as not 
to do them an}' harm 



225 

Voted To Refer over the Committees Report Respecting ye 
Lauding place or places to next March meeting 
Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd without Day 

March ye 5th 1770 At A Meeting of the Inhabitant of the 
Town of Brooktyn Legally Warn'd 

Voted Capt. Benjamin White Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Choose Three Select Men 

Voted Capt* Beiija'n White Mr. Isaac Winchester & Mr. Isaac 
Child Chosen Select Men and Assessors Sworn 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Chosen Town Treasurer 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. William Bowls & Mr. Joshua Woodward Chosen 
Wardens Sworn 

Voted Mr. James Wesson Deacon Elhanan Winchester Mr. Ca- 
leb Woodward <te Mr. Joshua Boylston Chosen Surveyor of High- 
ways in Sd Town Sworn 

Voted Mr. Thomas Aspinwall Sc Thomas W^^man Chosen 
Fence Viewers Sworn 

Voted Mr. Samuel Gardner & Mr. Robert Sharp Chosen Field- 
drivers Sworn 

Voted Mr. Eleazer Baker Chosen Clerk of the Market 

Voted Deacon Winchester Chosen Sealer of Leather 

Voted Thomas Aspinwall Jun'r Chosen Survej^or of Wood — 
Sworn 

Voted Fra. Blanchard & Ebenez'r Smith Chosen Hogreaves 

Voted Mr. John Goddard Chosen Constable & Collector for 
Said Town who offered to Serve for the Sum of Ten pounds & 
was Sworn 

Voted Deacon Elha'n Winchester Mr. Thomas Griggs & Thos. 
Aspinwall Jun'r Chosen a Committee to View the Treasurers 
Ac'ts 



226 

Voted William Hj^slop Esq'r Mr. Thos. Aspinwall & Capt. Craft 
be a Comm'tee to renew the Bounds of the wa^- that adjoins the 
Marsh 

Voted To mend the Highways in Sd Town bj'^ a Rate 

Voted To Raise the Sum of Fifty Pounds on the Polls Real & 
Personal Estates in Said Town to mend Said highways the Ensu- 
ing year 

Voted not to cut any of the Body seats into Pews for mr. Isaac 
Child or Mr. John Goddard 

Voted that the Patician in ye "Womans Galler}^ be Removed 
back to the mens Seats as formerly and the whole of the Womans 
front Gallery be cut into Pews. 

Voted that the two front womans Sects be cut into two pews, 
and the Spaces or Spots to Build the Two Sd Pews on be sold for 
the Sum of one pound four Shillings Each 

Voted That Mr. Isaac Child & Mr. John Goddard they & their 
heirs & assignes for ever have the above Named Spaces or Spots to 
Build each of them a Family Pews they paying in to the Town 
Treasury the sum of One pound four shillings Each, for Sd Spaces 
or spots ; they Building the Sd Pews at their own Cost. 

Voted not to Discharge Mr. John Goddard from the highways 
in Said Town On Account of his own privit ways 

Voted That this meeting be adjomnied without Da}^ 

May ye 2bth 1770 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town 

of Brooklyn Legally Warn'd 

Voted To Send A Representative this Year 

Voted Deacon Ebenez'r Davis Chosen Representative Refused 

Voted Capt Benja'n White Chosen Representative Accepted 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Raise the Sum of Ninety Pounds on the Pools Real & 

Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of Said Town and also to 



227 

Raise the Sum of Fifty Pounds to ♦be laid out on mending tlie 
High-wa3-s in said Town the Ensuing year Exclusive of the above 
Ninety pounds 

Voted To Choose Collectors to Collect the Highways Rates the 
Present year 

Voted Messers James Wesson Deacon Winchester Caleb Wood- 
ward & Mr. Joshua Boylston Chosen Collectors to Collect the 
Highways Tax 

Voted To Adjourn this meeting without Day 

OctoW ye 2d 1770 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn Legally Notified 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted Mr. Thomas White Chosen Petty Juror to Serve on the 
Inferior Court of Common Pleas & Court of General Sessions of 
the Peace • 

Voted To Adjourn this Meeting without Day 

March ye ith 1771 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn Legally Warn'd 

Voted Capt. Benj'n White Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Choose three Select Men 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Isaac Gardner Esq'r & Isaac Child 
Chosen Select Men and Assessors Sworn 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Town Clerk , Sworn 

Voted Deacon Ebenez'r Davis Chosen Town Treasurer 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. John Harris Chousen Constable but Excused 

Voted Mr. Moses White Chosen Const'l but Excused 

Voted to hire a Constable for the Ensuing 

Voted Mr. Sam'l Gardner Mr. John Harris Mr. Benja'n Davis & 
Mr. Nehemiah Davis Chosen Surveyor of the Highways in Said 
Town Sworn 



228 

Voted Mr. Joshua Woodward & Mr. Aaron Child Chosen War- 
dens Sworn 

Voted Mr. Robert Sharp & Mr. Thomas Griggs chosen Fence 
Viewers Sworn 

Voted Capt. Elisha Gardner & Mr. Joshua Boj^lston chosen 
Field Drivers Sworn 

Voted Mr. Eleazer Baker Chosen Clark of the Markit Sworn 

Voted Deacon Elhanan Winchester Chosen Sealer of Leather 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. Thomas Aspinwall Jun'r Surveyor of Wood Sworn 

Voted Mr. John Goddard Mr. Caleb Craft & Capt. Elisha Gard- 
ner chosen to View the Town & School Treasurers Accounts 

Voted William King & Thomas White chosen hog-reeves 
Sworn 

Voted To mend the Highways in Said Town by a Rate the 
Ensuing year 

Voted Mr. Stephen Sharp Chosen Constable who offered to 
Serve for the Sum of Ten Pounds Sworn 

Voted That the Select Men be a Committee to View the Old 
School House & to see if it will quit Cost to Remove it to some 
other place or pull it down to Rebuild it again & to Look a place 
or Spot to set or Build a School House on and make Report to the 
Town next may meeting 

Voted That the Sum of Seventy five pounds shall be Raised on 
the Polls Real & Personal Estates in Order to mend the High 
way in Said Town the Ensuing year 

Voted That Deacon William Bowles have the Sum of thirteen 
shillings & Four pence pr week for Boarding & Extraordinary 
Attendance on John Ellis & Elizibeth Chamberlain from March 
1770 to the Time of the Above John Ellis Decease 

Voted That Mr. John Goddards Request Respecting his High 
ways be Refered over to Next May meeting and also the Request 



229 

of the upper part of Sd Town Relative to a School House & School 
be Kefered over 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd without Da}-. 

31a'// ye 23cZ 1771. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the , 
Town of Brooklj'n Legally Warnd 

Voted To Send a Representative this year 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Chosen Representative 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted wheither Said Town will Keep the Grammar School the 
year Round & it Past in the Negative 

Voted That Mr. John Goddard be Discharged his proportion of 
Rates to the Highways for the future, on Account of his being at 
such Cost for maintaining his own passways in Order for his come- 
ing at the Public Roads. Provided he Keep his own Roads in good 
Repair 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd to ye loth of June at G. 
oClock afternoon Past Meridiua 

June ye \Wi\ll\. At A. Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn on Adjournment from Ma}" 3'e 23rd to June ye 
loth, and then met at the Meeting House in Sd Town 
Isaac Gardner Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Adjourn said Meeting to Capt. Eli'a Gardners House 

Voted To Accept .the Committees Reports Respecting the Town 
Treasurers & School Treasurers Accts. 

Voted To Raise the Sum of Seventy Five Pounds, on the Polls, 
Real, & Personal Estates & the Non Residents. 

Voted To Raise the Sum of Eighty- Pounds on the Polls, Real 
& Personal Estates & Faculty in Sd Town & Proportion the Non 
Residents 

Voted That Said Town M-ill be aiding & Assisting the Middle 
District Lying on Sherbun Rode in Building a School House 

30 



230 

Voted To Choose a Committee of three Persons 
Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Deacon Elh'n "Winchester Capt. 
Elisha Gardner be the Committee Men 

Sepfr ye 9i7i 1771 At A Meeting, of the Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brookl3'n Legally Warnd 

Voted William Hyslop Esq'r Choosen Moderator 
Voted That the Town will make Provision for Hanging the Bell, 
which we understand by Mr. Thomas Boylston he has sent for to 
England in Consequence of the Order of his Brother Nicholas 
Boj'lston Esq'r Latly Deceased ; which he the the Said Nicholas 
has been pleased Generously to Bestow upon Said Town 

Voted To Erect a Steeple at the West end of the .Meeting house 

Voted To Choose a Committee of Three persons Viz 

Capt. Benja'n White Isaac Gardner Esq'r and Mr. Isaac Child 

To Consult with Carpenters and to Know the Cost of Building Sd 

Steeple and take a Plan of the Same & lay it before the Town at 

their adjournment 

Voted To Choose a Committee to Wait on Mr. Thos. Boyls- 
ton and Thank him for his Early Care in putting his Brother Nich- 
olas Boylston Esq'r Dec'd Order into Execution ; Respecting the 
above Sd Bell to Sd Town. Committee are William Hyslop 
Isaac Gardner Esq'rs and Mr. Joshua Boylston 

Voted That When the Steeple is finished then the Mens Stairs 
shall be taken Down and put in the Tower 

Voted That this meeting is Adjourn'd to Octo'r ye 7th at Three 
of the Clock in the after noon 

Octo'r ye 1th 1771 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklyn 
on Adjournment from Sept. ye 9th 1771 to Octo'r ye 7th follow- 
ing then meet 

William Hyslop Esq'r Moderator 

Capt. Benja'n White Isaac Gardner Esq'r Mr, Isaac Child Com- 
mittee Men Report, to the Town that they have Consulted with 



231 

the Carpenters, as to the of Building Said Steeple, and laid the 
Plan of the Tower & Steeple before Said Town 

Voted That Said Committee Provide Materials to Build Said 
Tower & Steeple with at the Cost & Charge of said Tow^u 

Voted That the Carpenters have their Directions and In- 
structions from Said Committee in Building Said Tower & Stee- 
ple ; (and that Said Steeple be not higher than Doctor Bojles. 
Steeple is) 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd without Day. 

January ye 23d 1772 At A meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn Legally Warned 

Voted Capt Benja'n White Chosen Moderator 

Voted Not to Build a New Meeting House 

Voted To Reconsider the Vote for Erecting a Steeple upon the 
Tower and only to Build a Tower with a propper Top to it 

Voted That this meeting be Adjournd without Day 

March ye Id 1772 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn Legally Warned. 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Chosen Moderator 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted To Choose Three Select Men 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White, Isaac Gardner Esq'r and Mr. Isaac 
Child Chosen Select Men and Assessors Sworn 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Chosen Town Treasurer but 
Refused : and afterwards accepted to Serve in said oflSce 

Voted To Hire a Constable for the Ensewing year 

Voted Mr. Stephen Sharp Chosen Constable and Collector for 
Said Town who offered to serve in Said office for the Sum of Ten 
pounds Sworn 

Voted Mr. John Heath Mr. Aaron Child Mr. Daniel White and 
Mr. Abraham Jackson Chosen Surveyors of the Highways in 
Said Town & Sworn 



232 

Voted Mr. Jacob Sharp <fe Mr. Daniel "White Chosen Wardens 

Sworn 
Voted Mr. Joshua Boylston & Mr. Benja. Davis Chosen Fence 

Viewers Sworn 
Voted Mr. Robert Sharp and Mr. Abraham Jackson Chosen 

Field Drivers Sworn 
Voted Mr. Eleazer Baker Chosen Clerk of ye Markit Sworn 
Voted Deacon Winchester Chosen Sealer of Lether 
Voted Capt. Thos. Aspinwall Chosen Surveyor of Wood 

Sworn 
Voted Deacon Wm. Bowles Chosen Surveyor of Boards and 

Shingles Sworn 

Voted Mr. John Harris Deacon El'n Winchester & Mr. John 

Heath a Committee to View the Treasurers Acc'ts the Town & 

School & Make Report to said Town Next May meeting 

Voted Mr. John Goddard Chosen Town Treasurer Refused 
Voted Mr. Nehemiah Davis Chosen Town Treasurer Refused 
Voted Capt. Elisha Gardner Chosen Town Tresurer Refused 
Voted To mend the Highways the Ensuing year by a Rate 
Voted To Raise the Sum of Seventy five pounds on the Polls 

Real & Personal Estates & Facul}^ of the Inhabitants of saide 

Town and a proportion on the Non Residents Estates to mend the 

Highways in Saide Town the Eusewing year 

Voted Not to Pweconsider the Vote Respecting a Tower & a 

propper Top 

Voted To Build a Porch at the East end of sd Meeting House & 

carry ye Women's Stairs into ye Same & Make Necessary 

Repairs 

Voted To Adjourn this INIeeting without Day. 

May ye 25th 1772 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn Legally Warned 

Voted To Send the Ensewing year a Representative 



233 

Voted Capt. Benja'u White Chosen Representative 
Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Moderator 
Voted To Coutinne the Grammar School ye whole of the 3'ear 
Voted That Capt. Benja'n White Isaac Gardner Esq'r & Mr. 
Isaac Child be a Committee to Build a Porch at the East end of 
Said Meeting House & order the Women Staires to be carried into 
the Same 

Voted Not to hire Money for the Purpose aforesaid 
Voted That Mrs. Mary Craft have Liberty to Build a Tomb in 
the Burying Yard under the inspection of a Committee Viz 
Deacon Davis Deacon White & Capt. Benja'n White 

Voted That This Meeting be Adjourned to Thursday the Forth 
Day of June Next at five o'Cloyk in ye afternoon. 

June ye Afh 1772 At A meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
lyn on adjournment from May ye 2oth to June the 3d following & 
then met 

Isaac Gardner Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To Raise the Sum of Forty Pounds to Defray the Nec- 
essary Charges that May arise in Sd Town the Ensewing year 

Voted To Raise the Sum of one Hundred Pounds ToAvards 
Defraying the Cost of Building & Finishing the Tower 

Voted To Provide Stocks for Said Town 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd without Day 

June ye 0th 1772 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
lyn Legally Warn'd. 

Voted Deacon Ebenez'r Davis Chosen Moderator Refused 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Chosen Moderator 

The Question then Was Put wheither ye Town will Reconsider 
their Vote, not to Build a Spire & it Past in the Negative, not to 
Recon'r 

Voted To graint the Spot or Spacfton which the Weomans Stares 
Now Stands, To Capt. Benja'n White to Build a Pew thereon, in 



234 

Consideration that the Sd Benjamin, Build A Porch at the East 
End of Said Meeting-house and Carry the Weomans Stares into 
the Same, and Finish Said Poarch at his own Cost 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday the 15th 
of this Instant June at Five o'Clock in the after noon. 

June ye 15th 1772 At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
lyn on Adjournment from June ye 9th to June the 15th and then 
Meet 

Capt. Benjamin White Moderator 

Voted wheither Said Town will Reconsider the Vote for not 
Biulding a Spire and it Past in the Affermative, to Reconsider 
said Vote * 

Voted wheither Said Town will Build a Spire on the Top of the 
Tower & it past in the affermative, (to Build one) 

Voted To Raise the Sum of one Hundred pounds more on the 
Real & Personal Estates & Faculty & Non Residents Towards 
finishing the Tower & Steeple and making Necessary Repair's to 
Said meeting-house 

Voted To Adjourn this Meeting without Day. 

Decern' r ye 11th 1772. At A Meeting of the Freeholder & other 
Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklyn Legally Assembled 

Voted William Hyslop Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

Voted To Choose a Committee to take under Consideration, the 
Violations & Infringments of the Rights of the Colonists & of this 
Province in particular ; and make Report at the Adjournment of 
Said Meeting 

Voted To Choose 7 Persons for the Above Said purpose Viz. 
William Hyslop Esq'r, Isaac Gardner Esq'r, Deacon Ebenezer 
Davis Capt. Benja'n White Mr. Isaac Child Mr. John Goddard & 
Mr. John Harris 

Voted That the a foregoing Committee be a Standing Committee 



235 

of Communication & correspond with the Town of Boston & 
any other Towns on the Subject of our Present Difficulties 

Voted That the a foregoing Committee gives Instructions to 
their Representative Respecting the Violation of the Rights of this 
Province 

Voted To Comply with William Hj'slop Esq'r Request To Ex- 
change Pews with Said Town the Sd Hyslop paying the Odds, for 
the New Pew Erected where the Mens Stairs was in Said Meeting 
House 

Voted To Choose a Committee of Three Persons to Estimate 
the Odds between Esq'r Hyslops Pew & the Towns, New Pew as 
above mentioned 

Voted That Sherriff John. Harris Mr. Joshua Boylston & Capt. 
Thomas Aspinwall be a Committee & make Report at Sd Meeting 
the Odds Between The Towns New pew and Esq'r Hj-slops Pew 

Reported as follows that Esq'r Hyslop if he Exchanges pews 
with Sd Town then Sd Hyslop Shall pay into the Town Treasurer 
the Sum of Eight pounds Lawful Money upon which the above 
Said William Hyslop Esq'r Refused to Exchange Pews with Sd 
Town on the above Said Committees Report 

Voted To Dispose of Said Pew to the Hiest bidder 

Voted Not to Comply with the Request of Isaac Gardner, Wil- 
liam Hyslop Esq'r & Messers Isaac Child & Caleb Croft for Build- 
ing Stables or Shedds on the west part of Sd Meeting House Yard 

Voted To accept Mr. John Goddards offer for his Pew. the 
Town paj'ing to him the Sum of one pound Ten shillings which 
Sd Goddard paid for Building Sd Pew 

Voted That all Pews that are Newly Built or may be Building 
or Exchanging to be under the Same Regulations as former Pews 
are? 

Voted To Choose a Committee of Seven persons to View the 
Buerjing Yard & to see what is proper to be don as to Fencing & 
Removing the Incumbrances in said j'^ard & make Report at the 



c 



236 



adjournment of sd Meeting, Then made Choice of the following 
Persons, V. Isaac Gardner Esq'r Deacon Ebenezer Davia Capt'n 
Elisha Gardner Capt'n Benjam. White Deacon Jos White Mr. 
Joshua Boylston & Mr. John Goddard 

Voted To abate to 3^e Hired men that are not Inhabitants in 
Said Town the Sum Eight Shillings & Eight pence of their Poll 
Tax for the year 1772 on account of the Extraordinary Charge 
by Reason of Building & Repairing the Meeting House in Said 

Town 

Voted To adjourn this Meeting to Decem'r ye 28th following at 
three of the Clock in ye Afternoon 

Decem'r ye 2Sth 1772 At a meeting of the Freeholders & other 
Inhabitants of yc Town of Brooklyn on adjournment from ye 11th, 
Decem'r to ye 28th following & then met 

William Hyslop Esq'r Chosen Moderator 

The Town after Receiving the Report of Sd Committee, at Sd 
Adjournment the Following Votes were pased by the Town unani- 
mously at as full a meeting as Usual Viz. 

It. Voted that the Rights of the Colonists, and this Province 
in particular as men as Chrystians, &. as Subjects, as Set forth in 
the Said Votes & Proceedings of the Town of Boston, are in the 
Opinion of this Town well Stated & appear to be founded on ye 
Laus of Nature Divine Revelation, the British Constitution, and 
the Charter of this Province 

2d. Voted that the Infi-ingment & Violation of those Rights, as 
also Set forth therein are in the Opinion of this Town great Griev- 
ances which this People have for years past been burdened with, 
and for the Redress of which Petitions & Remonstrances have 
been made but hitherto in Vain 

3d. Voted The Raising a Revennue within this Province by an 
assumed Power in the Brittishe House of Commons, to give and 
grant our Money without our Consent & appropriating the Money 



237 

so Raised for the Support of the Government of the Province and 
the Paj'toent of the Charges of the Administration of Justice 
therein so repugnant to the first Principles of a free Constitution 
and the obvious meaning & Spirit of the Ilo3'al Cliarter of this 
Province 

4th. Voted that an Establishment for the Support of the Gov- 
onor of the Province, and the Judges of the Superior Court, &c. 
(if the hatter be alreadj' made as we have Just reason to appre- 
hend) to be paid out the Monies raised as aforesaid, independent 
of the free Gifts and Grants of the Commons of this Province are 
in the Opinion of this Town leading and alarming Steps towards 
rendering the whole executive Power independent, of the People, 
and setting up an despotic Government in the Province. 

5th. Voted that the Representative of this Town be and hereby 
is instructed to exert his utmost Powers and Abilities in the Gen- 
eral Assemblj' with constant Perseverance in promoting such 
Measures there as will speedilj' and effectually to Remove these 
and other intolerable Grievances enumerated in the aforesaid 
Votes and Proceedings of the Town of Boston 

6th. Voted that the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of 
Boston in thus clearly stating our Rights, and holding up so many 
of our Grievances in one View, have done an acceptable Service 
to this Town and Province and that the sincere & hearty Thanks 
of this Town be hereby given to them therefore 

7th. Voted, that there be Committee now Chosen to Write to 
the Committee of Correspondence in Boston and communicate 
to them a true attested Copy of the foregoing Votes, and 
also farther correspond with said Committee of Boston or any 
other Tov/ns if they shall think it needful. 

then the Town made choice of the following Gentlemen for the 

purpose aforesaid, Viz William Hyslop Esq'r Isaac Gardner 

Esq'r Deacon Ebenezer Davis Capt. Benjamin White Messieurs 

Isaac Child John Goddard & John Plarris 

Attest. Isaac Gardner Town Cler. 
31 



238 

upon a Motion made by William ITyslop Esq'r and others 
wheither the Town will take under Consideration the Vote that 
past at the Opening of this meeting ; to Dispose of the new pew 
to the Highest Bidder, the Question being put & it past in the 
affermative to Reconsider Sd Vote 

Voted That William Hyslop Esq'r have the New Pew that is 
Erected where the Mens Gallery Stairs was, provided'the Said 
Hyslop pay into the Town Treasurer the Sum of Eight pounds 
Lawful Money & Return his former Pew to the Town to be dis- 
posed of by them upon which the above Said William Hyslop 
accepted 

Voted That the Disposal of the Pew that did belong to Wm. 
Hyslop Esq'r be Referred over to Next March Meeting and Like 
wise the Care of the Burying Yard Refered to Said Meeting 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourn d without Daj'- 

To the Committee of Communication & Correspondence at 
Boston ^ 

Brooklyn January 4, 1773 
Gentlemen, 

The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of this Town at a meet- 
ing Legally assembled upon the 28th of Decem'r last by adjourn- 
ment, having dul}' considered a Letter from the Town of Boston, 
directed to the Select Men of this Town,, accompanied with a 
State of the Rights of the Colonies, and of this Province in par- 
ticular, as also a List of the Infringments of their Rights to be 
communicated to this Town, take this Oportunity to Return you 
our heart}' and unfeigned Thanks ^hich was Voted b}- said Town ; 
for the early Care that you took in clearly and Truly Stating our 
Rights and Priviledges and making manifest the many and glaring 
Violations and Infringments there of, which if not speedil}' pre- 
vented must inevitably ruin the Constitution of this Province as 
Settled by the Charter granted by King William and Queen Mary 



%\ 



239 

of glorious Memory, and also that this Town think themselves 
happy in being alwa3'-s reach' to add their Mite to wards with- 
standing an}' arbitrary despotick Measures that are t)r may be 
carried on to overthrow the Constitution and deprive us of all our 
invaluable Rights and Priviledges which are & ought to be as dear 
or dearer then Life it selfe. 

We have inclosed 3'ou a Cop}' of the Votes and Proceedings of 
the Town so far as we have gone. May he that ruleth in the 
Kingdom of Men direct all our Counsels, & grant Success to all 
our Lawful Endeavors, that are or may be taken for the Preserva- 
tion of the civil & religious Rights & Pi'iviledges, of the Colonies & 
of this Province in particular. So as that we the Children of so 
worthy Progenitors may be enabled to transmit to our Children 
those invaluable Rights & Priviledges, as we had them transmitted 
to us. they were many times in Trouble on various Accounts, and 
in their affliction the}"- cr^^ed to God, and he delivered them ; and if 
we their Children follow their Example, may depend upon the same 
Success they had : which God grant may be the Case with us in 
our Present Difficulties 

We wish all Prosperit}' to the Town of Boston and may unerring 
Wisdom direct all her Consultations and Counsels. 

We are with great Respect, Gentlemen, 
Your Friends and Servants, 

In the common Cause of our Country, 

William Hj^slop per Order 
Attest Isaac Gardner Town Cler. 



March ye It 1773. At A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brooklyn Legally Warned 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Chosen Moderator 
Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Chosen Town Clerk 
Voted To Choose three Select Men. 



240 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Mr. Isaac Child & Isaac Gardner 
Esq'r Chosen Select Men & Assessors Sworn 

Voted Mr. John Harris Jun'r Choosen Town Treasurer, 
Eefused 
Voted Capt. Benjamin White Choosen, Town Treasurer, Sworn 
Voted To hire a Constable for the Ensewiug 3'ear 
Voted Mr. Elhanan Winchester Choosen Constable & Collector 
for Said Town who offered to Serve in said office for the Sum of 
Twelve pounds fifteen shillings, Sworn 

Voted Capt. Elisha Gardner Mr. Thomas Griggs Mr. Nehemiah 
Davis & Mr. Caleb Craft Choosen Surveyors of the High- ways in 
►Said Town for the Ensewiug Year & Sworn 

Voted Lent. James Wesson & Capt. Thomas Aspinwall choosen 
Wardens for ye Ensewing year. Sworn 

Voted Mr. Eleazer Baker & Mr. Gulliver Winchester Choosen 
Fence Viewers for ihe Ensewing Year Sworn 

Voted Mr. Joseph Cobwiu & Mr. Royal Wood Chosen Field 
Drivers Sworn 

Voted Mr. Eleazer Baker Chosen Surveyor of Board & 
Shingles Sworn 

Voted Mr. Eleazer Baker Choosen Clerk of j-e Markit Sworn 
Voted Deacon Winchester choosen Sealer of Leather Sworn 
Voted Leut. James Wesson Choosen Surveyor of Wood Sworn 
Voted Mr. John Harris Mr. John Goddard & Mr. Elhanan Win- 
chester Choosen a Committee to View the Town & School Treas- 
urers Accounts & make Report at Next may meeting of this 
Debt & Credit of Said Town 

Voted John Spear & Thomas Brooks Choosen Hog Reave 
Voted that the Sum of Seventy five pounds be Raised on the 
Polls Real Estates Personal Estates & Facult}^ of the Inhabitants 
of Said Town and a proportion on the Non Residents 

Voted To Assess the above said Sum in the Town Rate and the 
persons that are Assessed in the Survej'ors List Shall have a 



241 

Receipt of the Surve^'or for as much as their worlc comes too, and 
it shall discharge as much of their Town Rate to the Collector 
Voted That this Meeting be adjournd without Day 

May ye 12th 1773 At A meeting of the Freeholders & other 
Inhabitants of Brooklyn Legally Warnd 

Voted Capt. Benjamin White Choosen Representative 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Choosen Moderator. 

Voted unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be given to 
Capt. Benjamin White for his past Faithful Service (as Represen- 
tative) in the Great & General Court 

Voted To Choose a Committee to give Instructions to the Rep- 
resentative 

Voted To Choose five Persons 

Voted William Hj'slop Esq'r Isaac Gardner Esq'r Deacon Eben- 
ezer Davis Mr. John Goddard & Mr. Nehemiah Davis be Said 
Committee 

Voted Not to Continue the Grammar Sc hool the year 

Voted To Raise the Sum of two Hundred pounds on the Polls 
Real & Person Estates & Faculty & the Non Residents to Defray 
the Necessary' Charges of this Present Year 

Voted To Choose A Committee of three Persons to Dispose of 
the Pews that did Belong to Wm. H3'slop Esq'r & Mr. John 
Goddard 

Voted Deacon Ebenezer Davis Mr. Nehemiah Davis & Deacon 
Joseph White be the Committee for Said purpose 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday ye 24th 
Instant at four of the Clock in ye afternoon 

At A meeting of The Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookl3'n on Adjournment from May ye 12th to ye 24th 
following then meet 

Isaac Gardner Esq'r Moderator 



■ 242 

Voted To Receive the Committees Instructions to tlieir Repre- 
sentive 

Voted That the Grammar School be under the Care of the Select 
Men as to the Time when Sd School Shall be opened 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjournd without Day 

Nov^r ye 2Gih 1773 At A Meeting of the Freeholders & other 
Inhabitants of Brooklyn Legally Warnd 

Voted Capt. Benja White Choosen Moderator 

Voted To Chose a Committee 

Voted That the Committee of Correspondence of this Town be 
the Committee with the Addition of Four other Gentlemen Vizr-. 
Major Wm. Thompson Capt. Elisha Gardner. Capt. Thos. Aspin- 
wall & Leut. John Heath are desired to git all the Intelligence 
from the Committee of Corrispondence of the Town of Boston 
Respecting the Landing & Sale of the East India Company's Tea 
and make Report to the Town at the Adjournment 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd to Decem'r ye It at 3 
Clock P. M. 

At A meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookl^ai on Adjournment from Nov'r ye 26th to Decem'r 
3^e 1st following & then meet 

Capt. White Moderator 

Voted To accept of the Committees Report 

Voted that the Town Clerk Transmit a Copy of 3'e Resolves to 
the Committee of correspondence for thee Town of Boston 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookl} n from 
Friday the 26th To Monday the 29th of Nov'r To consider what 
was propper for this Town to do, relative to the large Quantitj'-s 
of Tea belonging to the India Company, hourl}^ expected to arrive 
in this Province, Subject to any American Dut}^" 

It. The Town came unanimously into the following Resolves 
Viz. That the Act of the British Parliament imposing a Duty on 



243 

Tea, payable in America, for the Express purpose of raising a 
Revenue, is unconstitutional, has a direct Tenclenc}' to bring the 
Americans into Slavery, and is therefore an Intolerable Griev- 
ance. 

21y. That this Grievance which has been so Justly complained 
of b}^ the Americans, so far from being redressed, is greatlj' ag- 
gravated b}' another Act, passed in the last Sessions of Parlia- 
ment for Benifit and Relief of the India Company, permitting 
them to Export their Teas to America or Forring Parts, free of 
all custom and Dutyes usually paid in Great Britian, but, Subject 
to the Duty payable in America ; thus have the Parliament 
discovered the most glaring Partialty in making one & the 
Same Act to operrate for the Ease & Convenience of a Few of 
the most opulent Subjects in Britian, on the one hand, and for the 
Oppressions of Millions of Freeborn & moast loyal Inhabitants of 
America, on the other. 

Sly. That the last mentioned Act, can be considered no other- 
wise than as Subtle Plan of the IVIinistry to ensnare and enslave 
the Americans, and that whoever shall be instrumental in carrying 
the Same into Execution, is in the Judgement of this Towne, an 
inevitable Enemy to this Country 

41y. That Richard Clark & Son, and Thomas & Elisha Hutch- 
insons of Boston (who brought themselves into Contempt bj' their 
Conduct in the Xon Importation Time) and the the other Persons 
appointed Consignees of the India Company's Teas in Boston, 
have b}' their repeated Refusal to Resign their Appointme'nt and 
send send Back the Said Teas manifested to the full conviction of 
this Town — their utter Disregard to the Interest and welfare of 
this their native Country, to which Such unfeeling Wretches are a 
Disgrace and have discovered the most Sordid Attachment to their 
private Interest, and have in curred the highest Displeasure of the 
good People of this Province in general, & of the Inhabitants of 
this Towne in particular who are determined to afford them not 



. 244 

the Least Favour or Protection now that they are become Fugitives 
from the Just Resentment of their affronted Townsmen 

Sly. That we fully approve of the Proceedings, & Resolutions 
of the Town of Boston on this Alarming Occasion and while we 
see them Earnestly consenting for the general Libert}' of America, 
Should we fold our Armes & Calmly look on we should be Justly 
chargeble with the most shameful Supeneness & criminal Neglect 
— therefore Resolved 

Gly. That this Town are ready to afforde all the Assistance in 
our Power to the Town of Boston, and will hartily unite with them 
and the Other Towns in this Province to oppose and frustrate this 
most detestable and dangerous Tea Scheem and ever}^ other that 
shall Appear to us to be Subversive of the Rights and Liberties of 
America, and consequently dishonorably to the Crown and Dignity 
of our Sovereign Lord the King. 

71y. That whoever shall hereafter presume to import any Teas 
into this Province while Subject to the Odius Dut}' Shall be consid- 
ered and treated by this Town as an Enemy to his Country 

A True Copy Attest Isaac Gardner T. Cler 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Da}'- 

Brooklyn Sept'r ye 28th 1773 
Rec'd of the SelectMen of Sd Town the Sum of one pound four 
Shillings pr a Receipt Bearing this Date in full for ui}' Pew Spot 
in the Meeting House in Said Town which I do herebj' Relinquish 

& Deliver up to Sd Town 

John Goddard 
As Witness my Hand 

March ye 1th 111 A: At A meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookl}^! Legally Assembled 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Choosen Moderator 
Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Choosen Town Clerk 
Voted To Choose Three Select Men 



.4i 



245 

Voted Capt. Benja'u White Mr. Isaac Child Mr. John Heath. 
Mr. Heath Refused to Serve & Mr. John Goddard Choosen in his 
steed 

Voted That the Select Men be Assessors Sworn 
Voted To Hire a Constable for the Ensewing Year 
Voted That Deacon Elhanan Winchester be Constable and Col- 
lector for the Ensewing Year who offered to Serve the Town for the 
Sum of Ten Pounds Ten Shillings «fc the Town accepted his offer 
Sworn 

Voted That Capt. Benja'n White Choosen Town Treasurer 
Sworn 

Voted Messiers Timothj- Cory William Ackers Caleb Craft & 
Nehemiah Davis Surve3'ors of the Highwa3's in Said Town Sworn 
Voted Messiers Aaron Child Nath'l Meriam Choosen Wardens 
Sworn 

Voted Eleazer Baker Choosen Clerk of ye Market Sworn 
Voted Mr. Eleazer Baker Surveyor of Boards Sworn 
Voted Messiers Aaron Child & Jacob Sharp Fence Viewers 
Sworn 

Voted Messiers Jos : Coburn Abraham Jackson Choosen Field- 
Drivers Sworn 

« 

Voted Capt. Thomas Aspinwall & Mr. James Wesson Choosen 
Surve3'or of Wood Sworn 

Voted Deacon Elhanan Winchester Choosen Leather Sealer 

Voted John Spear & Ebenezer Bartlett Choosen hogreaves. 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. Gulliver Winchester. Capt. Elisha Gardner. Capt. 
Thomas Aspinwall Choosen a Committee to View the Treasurers 
Accounts 

Voted That the Sum of Seventy five pounds be Raised on the 
Polls Real & Personal Estates & Faculty of the Inhabitants of 
Said Town & a proportion on the Non Residents 

Voted wheither Said Town will Abate the Ministers Rates to 
32 



246 

Deacon Elhanan Winchester for AD. 1772 & 1773 & for the future 
& it passed in ye Atferinative 

Voted That the A foregoing Sum shall be Assessed b}' the As- 
sessors of Said Town and put in to the Town Rate & the Person or 
Person, so Assessed, shall have a Receipt from the Surve3'or, of 
the Highways in Said Town, of part or of the whole of his Highway 
Tax, and it shall pay to the Town Collector as much of his Town 
Tax, and Said SurA-eyors shall give Notice to each Person as the 
Law Directs, and if any Person or Persons shall Neglect to Work 
(after Notice) the whole or part of his Said Highway Rate or Tax, 
Then the Surveyors of Said Towna are Directed to Work out Sd 
Delinqueants part or whole in Each of their Districts and said 
Survej'ors shall have an Order npon the Town Treasurer for as 
much Money as thej^ shall Expend for Said Delinqueants 

Voted To Adjourn this Meeting without Day 

May ye 18th 1774 At A meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookl3'n Legall}^ Assembled 

Voted To Send a Representative the Ensewing Year 
Voted Capt. Benja'n White Unanimousl}- Choosen Representative 
Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Choosen Moderator 
Voted wheither the Praj-er of the petition for Keeping a mans 
Schoole in the Winter Season at the upper end of Said Town, and 
it past in the Negative 

Voted That Two Persons be added to the Committee for View- 
ing the Treasurers Accounts : Viz Messiers Thos Griggs Elhanan 
Winchester 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjonrnd to June ye It — at Five 
of the Clock in ye Afternoon 

June ye \i 1774:. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brookl^-n on Adjournment from May ye 18th to June ye It 
then met 

Isaac Gardner Esq'r Moderator 



247 

Voted To Receive the Committees Report as to tlie Treasurers 
Acc'ts 

Voted To Raise the Sum of one Hundred & Sixt}- Pounds on 
the Polls Reall & Personal Estates to Defra}' the Debt & Charge 
of Sd Town. 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned without Day 

July ye 29th 1774 At A Meeting of the Freeholders & other 
Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklj-n Legally Assembled 

Voted Capt. Benjamin White Chooseu Moderator _,, 

Voted Thomas Kindrick Dec'd Rates for the 3'ear 1772 and for 
the 3-ear 1773 be Abated. 

Voted To Hire the Sum of one Hundred & Twenty pounds 

Voted That Mr. Thomas Griggs be the Person to hire the above 
said Hundred & Twenty- Pounds on Interest for Said Town & pay 
the Same to the Town Treasurer 

Voted whether the Town will Abate out of the Rates of Thomas 
Wj-man for the year. AD. 1772, his proportion of Charge to wards 
Building the Tower & Steeple of the Meeting House in Said 
Town ; and it past in the Negative not to allow him any Abate- 
ment 

Voted That this Town will unite with the other Towns in this 
Province in every rational and Justifiable measure to recover and 
maintain our invaided rights and will come into Such Commercial 
Agreement, as may be Recommended b}- the General Congress 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned to Octo'r ye 11th, at 
Five of the Clock in the Afternoon 

Sept. ye It 1774. At A Meeting of the Freeholders & other 

inhabitants of the Town of Brookline Mett 

Voted Major William Thompson Chooseu Moderator 

Voted To Choose five Persons as Delegates to Appear and Act 

in behalf of Said Town at a County Convention for Suffolk, to be 



248 

held at Deadham, the 6th Day of this Instant September ; or at 
an}" other Convention to which they ma}' be invited. 

TheGent'm Committee are as follows Viz. Major William 
Thompson Capt. Benja'n White Isaac Gardner Esq'r John God- 
dard & Capt. Thomas Aspinwall 

Voted To Choose five Gentlemem as a Committee Viz. Mr. 
John Goddard Capt. Benjamin White Major William Thompson 
Mr. Isaac Child & Capt. Elisha Gardner, to Examine into the 
state of Said Town as to There Milatary preparations for War, in 
case of a Suden attack from our Enemies, and make Report at the 
Adjournment of this Meeting- 
Voted Whether Saide Town will indemnif}' and save Harmless 
an}' Town officers who shall incur any Penalty by refusing to com- 
ply with any Requisitions made to them in consequence of the 
New Acts & Regulations intended to be obtruded on this Prov- 
ince, and it Past in the Affermative to indemnify & save Harmless 
any Town Officer or Officers 

Voted To Adjourn this Meeting to the Eight Day of Sept'r 
Instant at five of the Clock P. M. 

Sept'r ye 8tk 1774 
Voted That this Meeting Stands Adjournd to Wednesday the 
14th of this Instant September at five of the Clock in the After- 
noon 

Sejitcmher ye lUh Then meet Major William Thompson 
Moderator 

Voted That every article in Said Warrant not Acted upon be 
refered over to the next meeting 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourn'd without Day. 

Sept'r ye 27 tJi 1774 At A Meeting of the Freeholders & other 
Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklyn Legally meet 
Voted Capt. Benjamin White choosen Representative 
Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Choosen Moderator 



249 

Voted To Choose three Persons to draw up Instructions for 
Their Representative Viz Doctor William Aspinwall Major Wil- 
liam Thompson & Mr. John Goddard The Instructions are as 
follows Viz : Capt. Benjamin White, The Town of Brooklyn hav- 
ing Choosen you to Represent them in a general Assembly' to be 
conveaued at Salem on Wednesday 5th Da}- of October next, think 
it necessary to give you the following instructions Viz. 

That you firml}' adhere to the Charter of the Province and that 
3'ou Acknowledge no other persons as Counsellors for this province 
but those who were elected by the General Court in Ma}" last, that 
}'ou reject &. disclaime all those who assume to Act as Councilors 
by mandamus and that in your Representative Capacity you do 
nothing that can be construed in the least as an acknowledgment of 
the validit}^ of the late oppressive Acts of Parliament — and as we 
expect A faithful Adherence to the Charter & Constitution of the 
Province will soon procure the Dissolution of the House of Repre- 
sentatives we hereb}' impower you to meet the Deligates from the 
other Towns in the Province at a provincial Congress to be held at 
Concord or else where on Tuesday ye 11th of October and in 
behalf of this Town to act & unite with them in all such measures 
as shall appeare to you to have a tendency to promote the welfare 
of this Province and to recover & secure the Just Rights and 
liberties of America 

Voted That the Town do approve of the a foregoing Instructions 
and that the Town Clerk do deliver an attested Copy of the Same 
to the Representative 

Voted To Choose two Delegates Viz Major Wm. Thompson and 
Mr. John Goddard to attend in the Provincial Congress, to be 
held at Concord on the Second Tuesday of October next in con- 
junction with the Representative of Said Town, we hereby im- 
power you to meet the Delegates from the other Towns in the 
Province and in behalf of this Town to act & unite with them in 
•all Such Measures as shall Appeare to you to have a tendenc}' to 



250 

promote the "Welfare of this Province and to recover & Secure the 
Just Eights & Liberties of America 

Voted That this Meeting he Adjournd to Octo'r ye 11th at four 
of the Cloclv in the After Noon 

Then meet &. Adjournd, to the 25th Instant at 4 Clock meet & 
Adjournd to ye 3 It Instant at 4 Clock afternoon 

JSfov'r ye 17th 1774 At A meeting of the Freeholders & other 
Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklj-n Legally meet 

Voted Capt. Benjamin White Choosen Moderator 

Voted To see wheither the Town Approve of the Measures that 
are come into b}' the Continental Congress and will abide b}' the 
same, and it past in the Aflermative Unanimously 

Voted To see whether the Town will Direct the Constable to \)ay 
in the Remainder of the Province Tax which they have in their 
Hands ; as also what they have stil to Collect, into ye Hands of 
Henry Gardner Esq'r Receiver General, and it past in the Afler- 
mative 

Voted To Adjourn this Meeting without Da3^ 

Ja?mary ye It 1775 At A Meeting of the Freeholders and 
other Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklyn Legally Assembled 

Voted To Send one Delegate 

Voted Capt. Benjamin White Choosen Moderator 

Voted Capt Benjamin White Choosen Delegate. 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Mr. John Harris & John Goddard 
Choosen a Committee to give Instructions to their Delegate 

Voted To see whether the Town will Indemnify the Collectors 
that shall pay the Money they haA'e in their Hands of Henrj- Gard- 
ner Esq'r Receiver General, and it past in ye afi'ermative 

Voted That the SelectlMen be im powered to Borrow the Last 
3^ears Province Tax Forty four pounds Six shillings & Eight Pence 
(AD 1774) of Messiers Benja'n White & Joseph Winchester upon 
Interest untill paid 



251 

Voted To Eaise the Sum of Forty four pounds Six Shillings, & 
Eight Pence on the Polls Keal, Personal-Estates & Faculty & Non 
Residents. 

Voted To Choose a Committee Viz Isaac Gardner Esq'r Mr. John 
Harris & Mr. John Goddard to draw up a Subscription Paper. 

Voted To afforde Relief to the Town of Boston & Charlestown 
by Subscription 

Voted To Choose three Persons, as a Committee ; Viz Mr. John 
Heath Mr. Samuel Croft & Mr. Thomas White to Receive & carry 
a bout the Town the above Subscription Paper 

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourn'd to ye School House 

Voted To comply with the Recommendation as set forth b}^ the 
Continental Congress and Provincial Congress 

Voted That a Committee of Five Persons be choosen as Inspec- 
tors Viz Capt. Elisha Gardner Doctor Wm. Aspinwall Mr. John 
Goddard Mr. Isaac Child & Mr. Eleazer Baker ; observe that the 
a bove Vote be Duly Observed 

Voted To have a Volenteer Company they to Choose their Offi- 
cers and each Soldier that will Inlist shall be in titled to four 
pence as Expence Money each Evening. 

Voted To Abate to Mr. William Davis Collector part of his Col- 
lection of Rates for AD 1765 part of Joseph Haydens Rates the 
Sum of £5-17-10 

Voted To abates to Wm. Davis John Spears Rates for ye 3'ear 
1768. 15s. and that he & Family be removed out of this Town 
forthwith 

Voted To Abate to said Davis Thomas Hodleys Rates for part 
of two years the Sum of £1.. 8.. 4- 

Voted To Abate Mr. Stephen Sharp Collector Thos. Hodleys 
Rates 

Voted Adjourn this meeting to ye Punch Bowls Tavern the 17th 
of this Instant January at 5 Clock P ; M : 

mett Capt. White Moderator. 

Voted That Verbal Instructions be given to the Delegate 



252 

Voted to Reconsider the Vote as to Minute men & their pay & 
it past in the Negative not to heve any 

Voted that this meeting be Adjournd to the Grammar Schoole 
House ye 24th Instant at 6 Clock A, M. 

meet Capt. White in ye Chare 

Voted That tlie Committee which carried about the Subscription 
paper be the Committee to receive tlie Donations from each person 
in said Town and see them Delivered into the hands of one or 
more of the Overseers of the Poor for the Town of Boston (The 
Committee is Capt. John Heath Mr. Samuel Croft & Mr. Thomas 
White) 

Voted To see whether the Town will Establish Mrs. Mary Boyl- 
stons Rates During her natural Life at the Sum of two pounds, 
Eight Shillings pr year and it past in the Negative 

Voted That this Meeting be adjourn'd without Day 

March ye 6th 1775. At A meeting of the Freeholders & other 
Inhabitants of Brooklyn Legall}^ Warnd 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Choosen Moderator 

Voted Isaac Gardner Esq'r Choosen Clerk 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Choosen Town Treasurer Sworn 

Voted To Choose three Select Men 

Voted Capt. Benja'n White Mr. Isaac Child & Mr. John God- 
dard Refused to Serve Mr. Thomas Griggs Choosen in his 
Stede 

Voted That the Select Men Choosen Assessors Sworn 

Voted To allow the Sum of Two pounds five shillings to Deacon 
Elh'n Winchester for his Extraordinary Trouble in ye j^ear AD 
1774 

Voted That Deacon Elhanan Winchester be constable and Col- 
lector for the Ensewing year who offer'd to Serve the Town for the 
Sum of Twelve pounds fifteen Shillings and the Town accepted his 
ofier Sworn 



253 

Voted Mr John Coburn Isaac Gardner Esq'r Mr. Gulliver Win- 
chester & Mr; Joseph Winchester Choosen Survej'ors of the 
Highway's in Sd Town Sworn 

Voted Mr. Aaron Child Mr. Robert Sharp choosen Wardens 
Voted Mr. Eleazer Baker choosen Clark of the Markit Sworn 
Voted Mr, Caleb Croft Choosen Surveyor of Boards 
Voted Mr. Timothy Cory & Mr. Joshua Woodward Fence 
Viewers 

Voted Col Aspinwall Mr. James Wesson Surveyor, of Wood 
Voted Mr. Jos. Coburn Mr. Eben'r Bartlet Field Drivers 
Voted D'n Winchester Sealer of Leather 
Voted Elenzer Smith, coozen Hog Reves & Nath'l Griggs 
Sworn 

Voted To Choose a Committee of Thre to View the Treasurers 
Accounts ; Viz Deacon Ebenez'r Davis, Deacon Elh'n Wii^chester 
& Mr. John Goddard 

Voted To Raise the Sum of Sixty Pounds, for the Highw^aj^s in 
Said Town & to be assessed on Sd Town 

Voted whether the Town will Reconsider the Vote respecting 
Mrs. Mary Boylstons Rate & it past in the Negative. Not to Re- 
consider Said Vote 

Afay ye 29ih, 1775 At A Meeting of ye Freeholders & other 
Inhabitants of the Town of Brooktyn Legally Warnd 

Voted to Elect one person as a Delegate to meet the Provincial 
Congress, Appointed to be held at Watertown on Wednesday ye 
31th of this Inst, may & so from time to time for & During ye 
term of six Months 

Voted Mr. John Goddard Moderator 

Voted that Capt. Benja'n White meet ye Congress as Above 
mentioned 

Voted Stephen Sharp Town Clerk in Room of Isaac Gardner 
Esqr Deceas'd 
83 



254 

Voted that Mr. Samuel White Serve as Snrvej'or in Room of 
Isaac Gardner Esq'r Deceas'd 

Voted To choose two Select Men in addition to those already 
chosen 

Voted that Misseiurs John Goddard & John Harris Sheriff 
serve as Select men & assessors with the Other Select Men 

Voted that a Committee choose to consult with one or more of the 
Neighboring Towns, in order to prepare a place (where they shall 
think proper) to move persons infectious with the Small Pox 

Voted that Doc'r Downer Coll. Aspinwall Mr. Joshua Boilston to 
serve as Sd Committee 

Voted To Choose a person to serve on the School Committee in 
Room of Isaac Gardner Esq'r Deceas'd 

Voted that Mr. John Goddard serve on the School Committee 
in Room of Sd Deceas'd 

Voted that this meeting Stand Adjournd to this Day 14 nights 

June ye l'2th 1775 At A Meeting of the inhabitants of Brook- 
lyn on Adjournment from May 3'e 29th 

Voted To Raise £150. L.my to Defra}- ye Charges of Sd Town 
the present 3xar 

Voted that some method be taken to secure the Incomes of ye 
Estates Belonging to the Refugees now in Boston which lately be- 
longed to Sd Town 

Voted that ye Rents of Sd Estates be paid Into ye Hands of 3'e 
Selectmen of Sd Town 

Voted that ye Sum of Money that was Voted to be Rais'd to 
mend }^e High waj^s in Sd Town be not Assessed 

Voted that this meeting be Adjournd without Day 

Jime ye oth 1775 At a Meeting of ye Inhabitants of Brooklyn 
Legally Warn'd 

Voted Mr. John Goddard Moderator 



255 

Voted to provide some Convenient place to move any Person or 

Persons that ma}- be infectious with the Small Pox in Sd Town 
Voted to Build A House for ye above Mentioned Use 
Voted to Build Said house ou a farm now Occupied by Docter 

Downer 

Voted that a Committee be Choose Consisting of five persons 
Voted that Doc'r Downer. Coll Aspinwall & Messeiurs John 

Heath Daniel White Gulliver Winchester serve as Sd Committee 
Voted that £13 : 6s. 8d. be levied b}- ye Town to build Sd 

house 

Voted that 3-e Select Men hire Sd Sum of Money 
Voted that this Meeting be adjournd without Day 

July ye 18th 1775 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
13'n Legall3' Meet 

Voted that Capt. Benja. White serve for & Represent Sd Town 
in a Great & General Assembl}^, to be Convened a Watertown on 
ye 19th of this instant July 

August ye IGi/j 1775 At A meeting of 3'e Inhabitants of Brook- 
lyn Legally Warn'd 

Voted Not to Elect & Depute any Person to serve for & Repre- 
sent Sd Town in 3'e Session & Sessions of ye Great «fe General 
Court or Assembly .which was Convened at Watertown on ye 19th 
of Jul}^ Last for y% Service of this Colony 

Dec 7je 21t/i, 1775. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
h'n Legally Assembled 

Voted Mr. Job© Goddard Moderator 

Voted to Adjourn this Meeting Iiumediatel}' to the School 
house in ye Middle of Sd Town 

Mr. Goddard in 3'e Chair 

Voted as an acknowledgment to the Arm3' for thair Good Ser- 
vices, that Each and Ever3' officer & Soldier Belonging to this 
Town, who has served in 3-e Continental Army shall be Excused 



256 

from paj'ing his Poll Tax as Residents of this Town for this Pres- 
ent Year, and that the assessors be Directed not to Assess the 
Same Upon Sd Officers and Soldiers, but u[X)n the Estates of the 
Inhabitants in General 

Voted that ye Old School house Lately Occupied by John An- 
drus Decea^'d be sold at Vendue at this Meeting 

Voted Stephen Sharp Vendue Master 

the Sd School House Sold to Deac. Elisha Gardner for Forty 
shillings Lawful money 

Voted that this Meeting adjourn without Day 

Jan. 31th 1776 At. A meeting of ye Inhabitants of ye 
Town of Brooklyn pursuant to Warrant and Notifycation 

Mr. Isaac Child Chosen moderator 

Maj'r Wm. Thompson Chosen Clerk for the meeting 

Voted that this Town will Raise ten men toward, Reinforcing 
the Continental army. Conformable with the Resolution of the 
General Assembly Dated Jan. 19th 1776 

Voted that as an Encouragement to Such of the Inhab- of this 
Town as shall inlist themselves to Reinforce the Continental Army 
for two, months, and to Enable them to Equip themselves fully 
for said Service, this Town will Allow and pay to Each man So 
Enlisting the Sum of forty Shillings. Lawful mone}^ upon his pro- 
ducing a Certifycate that he has Joined the ami}' and passed 
muster, and also, that he is provided with a Good fire arm, 
Blanket, Bayonet and Cartridge Box. Agreeable to the printed 
form of the Enlistments 

Voted that Colo. Aspiuwall Capt. Timoth}^ Cory and Mr. Sam- 
uel Craft be a Committee to Enlist Ten of the Inhabitants of this 
Town for the above Sd Service, and in Case that Number of In- 
habitants, Should not Enlist, then to agree with any other persons 
on the Easiest Terms the^* Can, not to Exceed the allowance of 
forty Shillings Each man 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned without Day 



257 

March llth 1776 At a meeting of ye Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brookline Pursuant to Warrant an notification. 

the Hon'l Benj'm White Esq'r Chosen moderator 

Voted Stephen Sharp Chosen Town Clerk Sworn 

Voted To Choose five Select men 

Voted the Hon'le Benj'm White. Esq'r Misseiurs Isaac Child, 
John Goddard, Thomas Griggs, and Col. Thomas Aspinwall 
Chosen Selectmen, and Assessors for jq Ensuing Year Sworn 

•Voted to hipe a Constable for jq Ensuing Year 

Mr. Elhanan Winchester offers to Serve the Town as Con- 
stable and Collector ye Ensueing Year for 15£ the Town ac- 
cept his oflTer and make choice of him in Case nobodj' appears 
at ma}' meeting to Serve more to ye Content of Said Town 
Sworn 

Voted Mr. Samuel Croft Chosen Surveyor of ye, High ways for 
the North District. Sworn 

Mr. Samuel White Chosen Surveyor of ye highways for ye 
middle District. Mr. Joshua Woodward for j-e South District, 
Mr. Joshua Bo3'lston for ye middle District 

Misseiurs Samuel Croft, Moses White Jun'r Chosen. Wardens 
Eleaz'r Baker Chosen Clerk of ye market Deac. Elisha Gardner 
Chosen Surveyor of Boards Mr. Ackers and Deacon Elisha Gard- 
ner Chosen fence Viewers Sworn 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall chosen Surveyor of Wood Mr. 
Nathan'l Meriam and Mr. Abraham Jackson Chosen Field 
Drivers. 

Voted Mr. Elhanan Winchester Chosen Sealer of Leather 

Ye Hon'l Benj'n White Esq'r Chosen Town Treasurer 

Royal Wood and Justus Harrington Chosen Hogrfeaves 

Mr. Daniel Dana Deacon Elisha Gardner and Col. Thomas 
Aspinwall Chosen a Committee to view the Town and School Treas- 
urers accounts, and to make Report of ye Debt and Credit of ye 
Town at ma}'' meeting 



258 

Lieu. John Heath Lieu. Caleb Croft and Capt. Timothy Coiy. 
Chosen a Committee of Correpondence Inspection and Safety for 
ye Ensuing Year 

Voted that this meeting be Adjournd without Da}- 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

May 20ih 1776 At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brookh'n Legal!}' meet 

Voted to Elect and Depute one person to Serve 'for and Repre- 
sent Sd Town in the General Assembly of this Colony the Ensuing 
Year 

Mr. John Goddard Chosen to Serve for and Represent Sd Towji 
in Sd Great & General Assembly 

the Hon'l Benj'm White Esq'r Chosen Moderator for Sd Meet- 
ing Doct. William Aspinwall, Chosen to Serve on the School Com- 
mittee in the Room of D'n Davis 

Voted to advise the Person, Chosen to Represent this Town in 
the next General Court, that if the Hon. Congress Should, for the 
Safety of the American Colonies, Declare them Independant of the 
Kingdom of Great Briton, that we Sd Inhabitants will Solemnly 
Engage with our Lives and fortune to Support them in the 
measure 

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned, to the Second Tuesday 
in august, ne^t, at three of the Clock in ye afternoon 
■ Attest, Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Jiihj ye 9th 1776 Att a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line Legally meet 

Mr. John Goddard Chosen Moderator. 

Voted that Six pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence be Giv'n 
to Each able Bodied Man that will Enlist into the Canadian Ser- 
vice in addition to the Bounty of Seven pounds that is allready 
Granted by the General Court 



J 



259 

Voted That Capt. White Leiut Craft and Leiut. White be a 
Committee to go to the Several parts of the Town to see what 
men may be Rais'd for the Cannadian Service, and Report 

Voted that this meeting be adjournd to ye 11th of July 

Jidi/ ye 11th Meet according to Adjournment 

Voted that a further Sum be given to Each mail that will En- 
gage in the above mentioned Service, So as to make the above 
Mentioned Sum 50. Dollars Each man 

Voted that Mr. Aaron Child Col. Thomas Aspinwall, Mr. Nath'l 
Seaver, Mr. John Coburn and Major William Thompson, be a 
Committee to hire men to Enlist for the above Service. 

Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to hire monej- for the 
above mentioned purpos 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd to the Day and hour, that 
the Commanding officer Shall call the whole militia of this Town 
together 

at an Adjournment Thursday Jul}^ 18th 1776 Maj'r Wm. 
Thompson chosen moderator, Mr. Goddard being absent by 
Sickness 

Voted that this Town will give Five pounds more in addition to 
the Bounty Voted at a former meeting, to Every Man who Shall 
Enlist into the Cannada Service 

Voted that the Men Called for from this Town be Draughted 
with Liberty to tal^e the Bounty or pay the Fine 

Voted that this meeting be Dissolved 

August 19th 1776 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklyn 

Mr. John Goddard Chosen moderator 

Voted to Raise five Hundred and fifty pound, to defray the 
charges of the Town the present Year 

Voted to Dispose of the Pew which Belong'd to Mr. Isaas Win- 
chester Late of this Town Dec'd 

Voted that Mr. Nathaniel Seaver. Deacon Gardner, Capt. Timo- 
thy Cory, be a Committee to Dispose of Sd Pew at a Vendue in 



260 

the Term of one month provided their is no Heirs of Sd Dec'd ap- 
pear to pay the Charges, Due to the Town from the Estate and 
from the Heirs of Sd Dec'd 

Voted, that Mag'r Wm. Thompson, Capt. Timth}- Cory, and Col 
Thomas Aspinwall be a Committee, to assist the Commition officers 
of Sd Town in Raising three men 

Voted that it be left to ye Discretion of Sd committee in what 
method to Raise Sd men 

Voted that this meeting be Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

SepCr ye 2M 1776 — At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of 
Brookl3Ti 

Mr. John Goddard Chosen moderator 

Voted to Raise a Sum of monej' to hire the Quoto of men which 
this Town is now call'd upon to Raise 

Voted — that four pound pr month over and above the Continen- 
tal pay be paid to Each man that Shall Engage in the Present 
Service agreeable to a Late act of the General Court 

Voted that this Meeting be Dissolved 

Attest — Stephen Sharp Town Clark 

At a Legally meeting of ye Inhabitants of Brooklyn Nov. 26th 
1776. 

The Hon'ble Benjamin White Esqr. was Chosen moderator 
The Act of ye General Assembly for Enlisting or compelling a 
Quarter part of ye Inhabitants (as therein described) to be in 
readiness to march at a minutes Warning, to reinforce ye Conti- 
nen-Arm}^, in any of ye united States, and to Serve therein for ye 
term of three months, being read, and a motioti made to appoint a 
Committee to consider and report forthwith what method is ad- 
visable for this Town to take in order to Encourage this Towns 
Qouto of Men, to Enlist in ye Sd Service Mr. John Goddard, 



261 

Col. Thomas aspiuwall, and Maj'r William Thompson was chosen a 
Committee for that purpose, who having withdrawn and delib- 
erated an there charge, reported by recommending to 3-e Town 
to pass ye following Vote : if approved — to wit 

Voted, " That Every able Bodied Man belonging to this Town 
" who shall Enlist for ye present reinforcement to 3-e Continental 
" army, Shall as an Encouragement, receive from this Town, three 
"pounds per month, in addition to ye wages Allowed b}- ye Gen- 
" eral Assembly, from ye time of marching to ye time of discharge, 
" provided thc}^ should march and join the Continental Army, 
" Either at or near New York or Ticonderoga and if this Encour- 
'* agement should not induce the Number of men this Town is to 
" furnish — to Enlist bj" next Thursday Evening, those Orders of 
" Men Authorized to appoint this Towns Quota, for that service 
" may proceed to Draw that Quota, agreeable to Act of Assembly, 
" that one half of ye money now voted be paid ye men at march- 
" ing and j^e other half on there return and that ye money for this 
purpose be hired by ye Select Men, and that ye Assessors be Em- 
powered to Assess ye same, in ye same manner other Assessments 
are made in this Town, at 3'e next assessment 

The above Vote having been read, and proposed passed in 3'e 
AfTermative — and ye Meeting Dissolved 

Feb. ye 5th 1777 

A a Legal Meeting of ye Inhabitants of Brooklyn 

Mr. Isaac Child Chosen Moderator 

Voted that the money which has been paid as a Bounty to En- 
courage Sd Towns Quota of Men to Enlist in ye Continental Ser- 
vice be repaid by Said Town 

Voted that ye Assessors be Impowered and Directed to Assess 
ye Same at their next Assessment in the Same manner othei; 
Assessments are made in this Town 

34 



262 

Voted that ye Constable take ye articles that are in ye Hands 
of ye Committee (as far as they will go) towards paying Henry 
Hultons Rates for ye year 1774, and if not Sufficient to take as 
much of ye Rent of Sd Hultons Farm as will make up Sd Defi- 
ciency 

And the Meeting Dissolved 



Feb. ye IS/h 1777. at a Legal Meeting of ye Inhabitants of 
Brookl3'n , 

Mr. John Goddard Chosen Moderator 

Voted Unanimously that this Town will Give Twenty four 
pounds L m. y. over and above ye Bounty offered by the Continent 
and this State, to Every able Bodied man who Shall seasonabh'- 
Enlist for this Towns Quota into ye Continental army During ye 
"War or for ye Space of Three years the money to be paid upon 
Each mans producing a Certificat of having passed muster 

Voted that Maj'r William Thompson, Mr. John Heath & Mr. 
Thomas Griggs be a Committee to hire ye money in behalf of ye 
Town for ye above purpose and to apj)ly ye same to ye use afore Sd 
as soon as may be needful and to be accountable to ye Town for ^-e 
same 

Voted that ye money now Granted be Assessed with ye 

other assessments now about to be maid and be repaid as soon as 

Collected 

and ye meeting Dissolved 

Brookline Sc Monday March 17. 1777 

The Inhabitants of this Town being this day assembled at the 

Meeting House, pursuant to a Warrant issued 1 2th Instant by Mis* 

Stephen Sharp Town Clerk, and notification given b}' Mr. Elhanan 

"Winchester Constable, and this being the annual Town meeting, 

. and William Thompson being chosen moderator, the Town 



2G3 

proceeded to the Choice of the following Persons to Serve as 
Town officers for the year ensuing namely. 

Town Clerk Mr. Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk — He 
having served in thac office from 29th May 1775 declined Serving 
then 

Town Clerk William Thompson was Chosen Town Clerk 
Sworn 22nd May 

Upon the Questions whether the number of SelectMen for the 
Year ensuing shall be five or three it was voted that the number be 
three, and that they be chosen separately — accordingl}^ 

Selectmen Mr. Elhanan Winchester was Chosen a Selectman 

Mr. John Heath, was chosen a Selectman, who declined Serving 
— Mr. Elhanan Winchester then declined Serving 

Mr. Nehemiah Davis was chosen a Selectman, who declined 
Serving 

Mr. John Harrris Jun'r was chosen a Selectman 

Mr. Elhanan Winchester was again chosen a Selectman. 

Mr. Stephen Sharp was chosen a Selectman who declined serv- 
ing 

The Afternoon being spent, it was moved and voted that this 
Meeting be adjourned from the Meeting House to the School 
House immediately, to proceed upon the Business of the Town 
during this Evening where being met 

Fence Viewers Mr. Elisha Gardner and Colonel Thomas Aspin- 
wall were chosen Fence Viewers 

Clerk 6f Market Mr. Samuel Clark was chosen Clerk of the 
Market 

Sealer of Leather Mr. Thomas Griggs was chosen Sealer of 
Leather 

Wardens Mr. Samuel White and Mr. Joshua Winship were 
chosen Wardens 

Town Treasurer Hon Benjamin White Esq'r was chosen Town 
Treasurer 



264 

Committee of Correspondence &c a, Mr. Isaac Child, William 
Thompson, Mr. Samuel Croft, Mr. Elisha Gardner and Mr. John 
Heath were chosen to be a Committee of Correspondence Inspec- 
tion and Safety 

Field Drivers Mr. Robert Sharp and Mr. Caleb Gardner were 
chosen Field Drivers 

Hog reaves Mr. William King. Mr. John Spear and Mr. 
Ebenezer Bartlett were chosen Hog reaves 

Survej^or of Boards Mr. Eleazer Baker was chosen Surveyor 
of Boards 

Surveyor of Wood Colo. Thomas Aspinwall was chosen Sur- 
veyor of Wood 

Surveyors of Highway's Mr. Samuel Clark wa^ chosen Surveyor 
of the High- Ways for the North District 

Mr. tLlisha Gardner, -for the middle District 

Mr. Caleb Craft & Mr. Daniel White for the South District 

Committee to Examine Acco'ts William Thompson, Mr. Na- 
thaniel Seaver and Mr. Samuel Croft were chosen a Committee to 
Examine the Accounts of the Town Treasurer and School Treas- 
urer and to make Report of the State of the same at May Meeting 

School Committee Mr. John Heath was chosen to be one of 
the School Committee instead of Deacon Joseph White who has 
desired to resign 

Selectmen Mr. John Harris and Mr. Elhanan Winchester 
declined serving as Selectmen 

The Evening being spent, it was moved and voted, that this 
Meeting be adjourned to Monday' the 24th of March Instant at 
One O'clock afternoon, at the Meeting House, and that those 
Gentlemen who have been chosen Selectmen and declined serving, 
be desired to notifj^ the Inhabitants in the several parts of the 
Town where they respectively dwell, of this Adjournment, and 
that they urge a general and punctual Attendance in order to 
compleat the Choice of Town OlHcers and the Meeting was accord- 
ingly adjourned 



265 

Brooldine Sc Mondmj March 2Uh Xlll 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants at the Meeting House — by 
adjournment from Monday 17th current 

William Thompson being Moderator 

Selectmen Mr. Isaac Child was chosen a Selectman 

William Thompson was chosen a Selectman 

Mr. Isaac Child declined serving as Selectman 

Mr. Elisha Gardner was chosen a Selectman 

Mr. Caleb Craft was chosen a Selectman 

Constable. Upon a motion made, it was voted that the Town 
will hire a person to serve as constable and Collector of Taxes for 
the Year ensuing, as hertofore practised 

Mr. Elhanan Winchester offered to serve as Constable and Col- 
lector of Taxes for the year ensuing, for Twelve Pounds in case 
the Town would make up his last years Premium to Twenty 
Pounds 

The Question being put, whether the Town will make him that 
allowance it was voted in the Negative. 

Selectmen Mr. Caleb Craft declined Serving as Selectman . 

Capt Thomas White 'fvas chosen a Selectman, who declined 
serving 

Mr. Isaac Child was again chosen a Selectman and again 
declined Serving 

Mr. Samuel Craft was chosen a Selectman who declined Serving 

Mr. Gulliver Winchester was chosen a Selectman 

Constable Upon a motion made, it was voted to reconsider the 
former Vote relating to Mr. Elhanan Winchester's offer to serve 
as Constable and Collect- of Taxes 

Also Voted that the Town do accept of Mr. Elhanan Winches- 
ter's Offer to serve as Constable and Collector of Taxes, for 
Twelve pounds for the Year ensuing, and that he be allowed Five 
pounds for Extraordinary Services the year past, on Condition of 
his serving thro' the Year ensuing 



266 

Mr. Elhanan Winchester was then chosen Constable 
Voted That this Meeting be dissolved 

Attest AVilliam Thompson Town Clerk 

Monday May 2G/h 1777 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, 
warned and assembled according to Law 

The Selectmen being Moderators 

Upon the Question, whether the Inhabitants will choose some 
suitable Person to represent them in a great and general Court or 
Assembly to be convened a Boston, on the 28tli Instant, it was 
voted in the affirmative 

The Inhabitants then gave in their votes in writing and upon 
counting the same, it appeared that Mr. Elhanan Winchester had 
twenty two Votes out of thirty two, he was accordingly declaimed to 
be chosen Representative, and being present, accepted that Office 
— then 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen moderator 

The Inhabitants of this Town having considered the Resolve of 
the last Assembly of 5th Maj^, recommending to the several 
Towns, to instruct their Representatives, in one Body with the 
Councill, to form a new Constitution of Government. Voted that 
they do not give their Assent that the Representatives and Coun- 
cill should form a Constitution but Recommend that a Convention 
should be appointed by the People for that express Purpose, and 
that onl}', as soon as practicable 

Mr. Gulliver Winchester having declined Serving as a Select- 
man 

Capt. Timothy Cory was chosen a Selectman for the Ensuing 
year 

Voted, that the Selectmen be Assessors also 

Upon the Question, whether the Town will confirm the choice, 
made at March Meeting, of Mr. Elhanan Winchester, to act as 
Constable and Collector of Taxes, 

Voted in the Affirmative 



267 



Voted that the Sum of Fifteen pounds fifteen shillings be paid 
out of the Town Treasury, to Captain Thomas White, which Sum 
he advanced and paid as Bounty to three men, namely James 
Woods, Samuel Marian, and Gershon Hide, who enlisted for this 
Town's Quota of Militia, and lately marched to the Aid of Rhode 
Island State. 

Upon the Question, whether this Town will allow and pay a 
Gratuity to John Spear, Caleb Garder, Silas Winchester & Wil- 
liam Davis, who enlisted without Bounty and continued in the 
Army untill the disbanding thereof in December last, voted in the 
negative 

Voted, that the Pew formerly granted to Mr. John Winchester 
(as p record May 1, 1718) be sold to compensate and satisfy the 
Town for Taxes due from the estate and the several Heirs or 
desendants. of Said Winchester. 

Voted, that the aforesaid Pew be sold immediately, and that Mr. 
John Goddard, the present Moderator, be authorized to to set it 
up at Vendue, and strike it off to the Highest Bidder. Mr. John 
Goddard having bid Thirty three Pounds for the aforementioned 
Pew. and being the Highest Bidder, the Pew was struck off to him. 

Voted that Mr. Stephen Sharp be discharged from collecting the 
following Taxes committed him to collect while Constable, which 
are now outstanding and he is unable to collect, namely 



Elisha Woodward's Tax foi 


1771 . 


. 




0. 


10. 6 


. . . Hide . 


1771 . 


. 






10. 6 


Thomas Hoadly . 


1771 . 


. 






17. 6f 


Jesse Dean . 


1772 . 


. 




1. 


0. 8 


Thomas Marian . 


1772 . 


. 




1. 


0. 8 


Isaac Winchester 


1771 . 


. 0. 10. 


6 








1772 . 


. 1. 


8 














1. 


11. 2 


Danforth Winchester . 


1771 . 


10. 


6 








1772 . 


. 1. 0. 


8 


1. 


11. 2 


Widow Mary Winchester . 


1772 


• 


£ 


7. 


15. 7i 




14. 


17. 10 



268 

which Taxes amounting to fourteen pounds seventeen shillings and 
ten pence in all, are to stand charged iu the Towns Books against 
the respective Delinquenents, to be collected by some future Collector 

Voted to defer raising money for the necessary Charges of the 
Town, untill next Meeting 

The Committee appointed 18th of February last, to pay 
the Bounty of Twenty Four-pounds granted by the Town to each 
Man who should enlist, for this Town's Quota, into the Continen- 
tal Army, reported that by an order of the Selectmen, (dated 27th 
March last) they received of the Town Treasurer, the Sum of 
Three hundred & eighty four pounds which they paid to Col : 
James Wesson by order of Sixteen Men who enlisted into his Reg- 
iment, namel}"^, Jeremiah Clark, George Dunlap, Elijah Mills, 
Charles Winchester, Lambert Smith, Ezeltiel Crane, Hen}' Tucker, 
Christopher Higby, Hugh McKoron, Oliver Yan, John Burton, 
John Sinclair, John Hambleton, Nathaniel Rose, John Butler, and 
Stephen Eldrige The said Committee also laid before the Town 
the Order signed by those men, with Col. Wesson's Certificate that 
they had enlisted for this Town and passed Muster, also his 
Receipt for said Sum ; Whereupon it was voted that said Com- 
mittee had performed their duty, and that they be discharged of 
the aforesaid Sum of three hundred and Eighty four pounds 

Upon motion, voted that the Thanks of this Town be given to 
Col. James Wesson, for the good Service he has rendered the 
Town by enlisting the aforementioned Sixteen Men for this town, 
and that the sum of Six Pounds be paid him as a further 
acknowledgement for that Service, 

Mr. Joshua Boylston and Mr. John Harris drawn to serve as 
Jurors at a special Court in June next 

Voted that this meeting be dissolved 

Attest William Thompson Town Clerk 

Omitted entering in Course 

Ma7j 2Zrd Isued a Warrant to Mr. Elhanan Winchester 



269 

Constable to warn John "White, Jemima "White his wife with their 
child named John, to depart this Town in fourteen days or give 
Security to the Selectmen to Indemnify and Save the Town free 
from all charges that may arise b}' their Residence warned as 
p Return dated. May 25th 1777 

Also May 23 : Issued another "Warrant to warn Samuel "Wil- 
ton Husbandman and Susannah hil wife who came 24th of April 
also Nathaniel "Wilton, Elizebeth* his "Wife with Elizabeth their 
Child, who came 8th Ma}^ Instant, all from Cambridge and were 
admitted by the hon. Benjamin AVhite Esq'r into his late dwelling 
House, to depart this Town in fourteen da3's or give Securit}', as 
abovementioned 

Warned as p return dated 24th May 1777 

William Tompson Town Clerk 

The following Entry is copied from a Paper received fiom Mr. 
Stephen Sharp former Town Clerk . . . "V^iz 
Bruokline Jany Idt/i 1777 

Stephen Knight & Family "V^iz Mary his wife Mary & Elizabeth 
his Daughters, warned to depart this Town to ye Town the}- last 
resided in Viz Sudbury 

And likewise Susanna Amsdel with Jason her Child warned to 
depart this Town to ye Town she last resided in Viz Framingham 

Warn'd by Elhanan Winchester Constable 

Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

A True Copy. attest William Thompson Tov/n Clerk 

Warned as ^ return dated January 15. 1777 

BrookUne June 23>y/ 1777 
Mr. John Goddard drawn to serve on the grand Jury for July 
Court and thro' the Year 

Mr. John Coburn and Aaron Child, drawn to serve as Jurors for 
July Court. 

35 



270 

Mr. Samuel Croft, drawn April 1 to serve as a Juror 
Mr. John Harris Jun'r Mr. Joshua Boylston drawn May. 26th 
to serve a Jurors at a Special Court 

July 28th 1777. William Thompson & Elisha Gardner drawn to 
serve as Jurors at a Maritime Court to be held 29th 

Friday August loth 1777 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warned and assembled according to law. 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator 

On a motion made, voted that a Committee be appointed to 
Enlist eight men, for this Towns proportion of Militia ordered to 
reinforce the Northern Army to serve till the end of November 
next 

Voted that the Committee consist of Five Persons 

Voted that Capt. Thomas White, Lieut : Caleb Craft, Mr. Moses 
White Col : Thomas Aspinwall & Mr. Samuel Croft serve on this 
Committee 

Voted that it be left to the Discretion of said Committee to 
promise such Bounty to encourage eight men to engage in the 
aforementioned Service, as they shall judge reasonable and proper, 
and that the Town will abide by and fulfill the Agreement of Said 
Committee 

Voted that the Committee make Report of their doings at the 
adjournment of this meeting 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Monday next the 18th 
of August at 5 o'clock afternoon — and was accordingly adjourned 

Monday August 18 1777 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants, by adjournment from Friday 
August 15'.h 

Mr. John Goddard beina: Moderator 



271 

The Committee reported that the}* had enlisted eight Men to 
serve in the northern Army to the End of November next namely 
John Mc. Ilvaine, William Davis, John Spear, Benjamin Winches- 
ter, John White, Joseph Caswall, William Mc. Ilvaine and Joseph 
Brown, or Silas Winchester in the room of Joseph Brown, npon 
the promise of paying Thirty Pounds Bounty to each man where- 
upon. 

Voted that the Town accept the report of the Committee 

Voted, that the Sum of Two hundred and forty pounds be hired 
for the purpose of paj^ing the aforesaid Bounty, and that the 
Selectmen be empowered to hire the same in behalf of the Town, 
and to pay the same into the Hands of the Committee for the 
above purpose, as soon as requisite 

Voted that the Selectmen be empowered to hire the further Sura 
of Fifteen pounds, to procure Canteens for those eight men, and 
to pa}' the Subsistence of two pence per mile for their Travel to 
the Army 

Voted that this Meeting be dissolved 

Attest William Thompson Town Clerk 

August 18. 1777 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall drawn for a grand Jurorr Mr. Gulliver 

Winchester for a petit Juror at the Superior Court 

Also Mr. Isaac Child & Elhanan Winchester for Jurors at a 

maritime Court 

N.B Joshua Boylston & John Coburn Served 

Issued a Warrant dated August 7th 1777 to Mr. Elhanan Win- 
chester to warn Ruth Wood to depart this Town, or, give Security 
to save the Town from all Charges that may arise by her residence 

William Thompson Town Clerk 
Warned as ^ Return dated Aug't 27. 1777 

September 22: 1777 Mr. Joshua Winship draw for a petit 
Juror 



272 

October 13 : 1777 Mr. Samuel White drawn for petit Juror at 
the Superior Court to be held 3rd Tuesday of this Month 

Monday Noveynher 10 : 1777 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warned and assembled according to Law. 

Mr. John Goddard chosen Moderator 

On a Question, whether the Town will abate the Taxes of Da- 
vid Damon for the year 1776, in consideration of his having paid 
Taxes in Sudbury his Native place, tho' resident on hire in this 
Town, that Year — voted in the negative 

Voted that Seven pounds eight Shillings and ten pence ^ part 
of the Taxes of William Blaney for the Year 1776 be abated to 
him, in consideration of the Inconvenience and damage arising 
from the Public Buildings on Sewall's Point being used for Hos- 
pitals for the Small Pox, great part of that Year 

Voted that this Town will make an Allowance to the rev'd 
Joseph Jackson their Minister, for the Current year in consideration 
of the very high prices of the necessarys of Life 

Voted that William Thompson, Mr. John Goddard and Mr. 
Elhanan Winchester be a Committee to consider how much the 
' Town ought to allow Mr. Jackson in regard thereof, and that they 
be directed to withdraw immediately and make report to this pres- 
ent meeting as soon as they are agreed 

The aforesaid Committee having withdrawn for some Time, 
returned and reported as their Opinion, that it was Just and rea- 
sonable for the Town to allow and pay Two hundred and six 
pounds thirteen shillings and four pence to said Rev'd Joseph 
Jackson, in Addition to his settled sallary, for this present Year, 
to make up his Salary to three hundred pounds in the whole, for 
his comfortable Support during the current Year whereupon 

Voted that the Town do accept the Report of their Committee 
respecting the allowance for Mr. Jackson's Support 



273 

Voted that the support of Martha Marian requested by Mr. 
Abram Jackson her Father in Law, be referred to the discretion of 
the Selectmen 

Voted that upon Mr. John Goddard's paying to the Selectmen, 
thirty three pounds for the pew sold him the 26th of May last, 
thej' give him a bill of Sale for the same in behalf of the Town, to 
be held in fee simple 

Voted that the Town will allow and pa}' Seventy nine pounds 
four shillings, which Sum was paid by the Militia Oficers of this 
Town as Bounty to Four Men who enlisted to Serve on the late 
Secret Expedition. 

Voted the Sum of Nine hundred pounds be granted todefreythe 
necessary Charges of the Town for the Current year and that the 
Same be assessed upon the Polls and Estates uf the Inhabitants 
in just and equitable Proportion 

On a Question, whether the Town will choose a new Constable 
and collector of Taxes, voted in the negative 

Voted that this Town desire and direct Mr. Elhanan Winchester 
their representative to promote an Enquiry into the Causes of the 
failure of the late secret Expedition 

Voted that this meeting be dissolved 

Attest William Thompson Town Clerk 

November 24. 1777 William Thompson Elisha Gardner & 
John Heath chosen Jurors for a maritime Court to be held 25th 

Thursday January 1 1778 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, 
warned and assembled according to Law at the Meeting House 

Mr. John Goddard chosen Moderator 

Voted to adjourn to the School House immediately where being 
assembled 



274 

Upon the Question whether this Town will grant and raise a 
Sum of Mouej to be put into the Treasury of this State, for the 
purpose of redeeming this Town's proportion of of the Bills of 
Credit emitted b}' this State, for public Services ; 

Voted in the negative 

Upon the request of Lieut : Caleb Craft, to be refunded the pro- 
portion of Taxes he has heretfore paid toward the Bounties Given 
by this Town to Soldiers, or to be allowed the same Bounty the 
Town Granted in August last to those Men who went from this 
Town into the Arm}- for four months, he having been called on at 
that time to go into the same service, and having procured another 
person to go in his stead voted in the negative 

Upon the Petition of the Singing Societ}', that they may be al- 
lowed to form certain Seats in the front gallery of the Meeting 
house, into a Pew for their better Accommodation, at their own 
Expence Voted That the Town will allow the Singing Society 
leave to form the requested Seats in the Gallery into a Pew for 
their better Accommodation, the}' making the desired Alteration 
at their own Expence ; reserving to the Town an absolute Right 
to alter or dispose of the same, whenever they think proper: the 
proposed Alteration to be under the Direction of the Selectmen, 
who are appointed a Committee for that Purpose 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned without day 

Attest William Thompson Town Clerk 

January 12. 1778 Mr. William Ackers & Samuel White drawn 
as Jurors for a maritime Court to be holden 13th instant 

Brookline February 2. 1778 
Mr. Joshua Boylston drawn for a grand Juror Mr. Caleb Craft 
for a petit Juror at a Superior Court to be held 17th Inst. 



275 

February 2. 1778 Issued a Warrant to Mr. Elhanan VVincliester 

Constable, to warn Elizabeth Whitne}-, Oliver Whitney her son and 

Abigail and Sarah her Daughters to depart this Town in fourteen 

days or give security to save the Town from all Charges that may 

arise by their Residence. 

William Thompson Town Clerk 

Warned as .^ Return dated Feb'y 5. 1778. 

Thursday February 12. 1778 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warned and assembled according to Law at the School House 

Mr. John Goddard was nominated & voted. Moderator. 

Voted that Lieut Caleb Craft, Lieut Abram Jackson, and Mr. 
Stephen Sharp be a Committee to hire on the most reasonable 
Terms they can, at the Charge of the Town, those three Militia 
Men who are now ordered from this Town to do military Duty in 
the Town of Boston for three months — also that the same Com- 
mittee be authorized and empowered, in the same manner to hire 
"whatever men may, b}- lawful Authority, be ordered upon Military 
Dut}' from this Town, hereafter untill the further order of the 
Town, and th^t the Committee be allowed a reasonable Reward for 
their Service 

Voted that the Selectmen be impowered to receive from the 
Town Treasurer, or in behalf of the Town to hire such Sum of 
money as may be necessary to Enable the Committee aforesaid to 
perform their trust 

Voted that Mr. Elhanan Winchester, Representative for this 
Town in the General Assemblv, be directed to enquire b}' whose 
order the Barracks on Sewall's Point in this Town are to be em- 
plo3'ed as Hospitals for inoculating the Soldiers of the Continen- 
tal Army wdth the Small Pox ; and that he exert himself to cause 
the same to be put under such Regulations and Restrictions as 
may tend most effectually to secure the Inhabitants of this Town 
from the Infection of that Distemper 



276 

Voted that tho Consideration of the allowance requested of the 
Town b}' Lieutenant Caleb Craft and others for extra Military 
Service and Expence, be referred over to March Meeting 

Then the Meeting was adjourned without Day 

February 18. 1778 Issued a Warrant to Mr. Elhanan Win- 
chester to warn Colonel Joseph Belcher, Hannah Belcher his wife 
his Sons William, James, Inglis, and Martin, his Daughters Eliza- 
beth, Martha, Joanna, and Sarah — Mr. Joseph Belcher Jun'r and 
Lydia his wife, with three male Negro Servants belonging to said 
Family, named Bung Warwick and Pompey — also Dorothy Hol- 
brook, Ebenezer Holbrook, Rebecca Tarbox, Eunice Munroe, 
Deborah Belcher, and a Molatta Girl named Susannah Tone}' to 
depart this Town in fourteen da3's or give Securit}' to indemnify 
and save the Town from all Charge that may arise by means of 

their Residence 

William Thompson Town Clerk 

Know all Men b}' these Presents that I Joseph Smith of Rox- 
bur}' in the County of Suffolk and State of the Massachusetts 
Ba}' in New England Gentlemen in Consideration of Five Shil- 
lings hiwful money paid by William Thompson, Timothy Corey 
and Elisha Gardner Selectmen for the Town of Brookline in the 
said County of Suffolk, the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowl- 
edge, do hereby give, grant, sell, and convey unto the saidAVilliam 
Thompson Timothy Corey and Elisha Gardner or their successors 
in said Trust, a certain small piece of Land, Lying and being in 
said Brookline, for the only Use of a School House, bounded as 
follows Viz : Southerly twenty feet on the Country Road lead- 
ing to Newton, Westerly, thirty feet on land of said Joseph 
Smith, Northerly-, twenty feet on land of said Joseph Smith, 
and Easterly'-, thirty feet on land of Mr. Joseph Curtis ; or how- 
ever otherwise bounded or Reputed to be bounded : To have and 
to hold the Same to the said William Thompson, Timothy Corey, 



277 

and ^lisha, Gardner, or tlieir Successors in said Trust, to their 
onl}' proper Use and Behoof Forever, for the use of a School 
House as aforesaid : And I do covenant with the said AVilliam 
Thompson, Timoth}' Corey, and Elisha Gardner, or their Succes- 
sors in said Trust, that I am lawfully siezed in Fee of the 
Premises, that the^- are free of all Incumbrances, that I have good 
Right to sell and convey the same to the said William Thompson, 
Timothy Corey and Elisha Gardner as aforesaid, and that I will 
warrant and defend the same to the said William Thompson, 
Timoth}' Core}^ and Elisha Gardner as aforesaid, forever against 
the Lawful Claims and demands of all Persons. 

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set m}" hand and Seal this 
twenty second da}^ of September Anno Domini 1777 

Signed Sealed and Joseph Smith and a Seal 

delivered in presence 
of us, Eleazer Weld 

Stephen Williams 
Suffolk S.S. Se2)t'r 22cl 1777 

The abovenamed Mr. Joseph Smith personally appeared and 
acknowledged the above written Instrument by him executed to 
be his free Act and Deed 

Eleazer Weld Just : Pe'ce : 

Dedham October 15. 1777 Received and entered with the Rec- 
ords of Deeds for the County of Suffolk Lib'o 127 Fol'o 254— 

^ Joshua Henshaw Reg'r 
A True Copy, attest William Thompson Town Clerk 

Monday March 2. 1778 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline at 

the Meeting House, being warned and assembled according to Law. 
The hon'ble Benjamin White Esqr. was chosen Moderator 
Moved and voted to adjourn this meeting to the School House 

immediately, ou account of the Severity of the weather where- 



278 

being met the following Persons were clioseu Town Officers for 
the Year Ensuing 

Select men and Assessors Hon'ble Benjamin White Esq'r Mr. 
John Goddard Mr, Eihanan Winchester JMr. Moses White Junior 
Mr. Samuel Croft 

Survej'ors of Highways Mr. Robert Sharp for the Lower Dis- 
trict Mr. Samuel White for the middle District Mr. Abram Jack- 
son for the South District Mr. Daniel White, for the fourth 
District 

Fence Viewers Colo. Thomas Aspinwall Mr. Samuel Clark 
Clerk of the Market Mr. Eleazer Baker 
Sealer of Leather Mr. Eihanan Winchester 
Field Drivers Mr. Caleb Gardner Mr. James Winchester 
Hogreaves Mr. Royal Wood Mr. William King & Mr. Thad- 
deus Jackson 

Surve3-or of Wood & Boards Mr. Eleazer Baker 
Wardens Mr. Jonathan Dana & Mr. Samuel Clark 
Town Treasurer Hon'ble Benjamin White Esq'r 
Constable Voted to hire a suitable person to serve as Constable 
and Collector of Taxes for this Year 

Voted that Thirteen pounds be added to the Premium of Twelve 
pounds heretofore voted to Mr. Eihanan Winchester, to make up 
Twenty five pounds, for his Service as Constable and Collector of 
Taxes for the year past. 

Voted that the Town will give Forty Bushels of Indian Corn to 
the Person who will undertake the Office of Constable and Col- 
lector of Taxes for this Year, provided he be approved and chosen 
by the Town 

Mr. Jonathan Dana offered himself and was chosen to serve as 
Constable & Collector of Taxes and sworn 

On the Question whether the Town will make Allowance to those 
who kept and boarded the Poor the 3-ear past, on Account of the 
high prices of Provisions 
Voted in the affirmative 



279 

Voted to allow Mr. Elisha Gardner ten shillings ;p Weed for 
boardino; Elizabeth Chamberlain instead of the Price a2:reed for- 
till the 3'ear is eompleated 

Voted to allow Mr. Elhanan Winchester Six shillings ^ Week 
for Mar^' Bowen's Board, instead of the price agreed for, till her 
year is eompleated 

Voted that the Thanks of the Town be given to Mr. John Heath 
for consenting to board Mrs. Sarah Williams at the price agreed 

Voted to allow Mrs. Sarah Sharp nine shilling ^ Week for 
Alex'r Mcintosh's Board instead of the price agreed on, 

Voted that the Town will purchase an Iron Stove for the Gram- 
mar School House, in order to lessen the Expence of Fuel 

Voted that William Thompson, Mr. Elhanan Winchester and 
Mr. John Heath be a Committee to receive the Claims of Lieut. 
Caleb Craft and others for extra military Service, and lay the same 
before the Town at their next meeting 

Town Clerk Mr. Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk and 
Sworn 

Voted that Doctor William Aspiuwall Mr. Joshua Boylston, Mr. 
Eleazer Baker, Mr. Robert Sharp and Mr. Joshua Winship be A 
Committee to hire any men that may be ordered from this Town, 
upon militar}' Duty on the most reasonable Terms they can, when- 
ever the}' may be called for ; The Committee to be allowed a rea- 
sonable Consideration for their Service 

Committee of Con-espondence fee a. William Thompson, Mr. 
Isaac Child, Capt. Timothy Corey, Mr. Elisha Gardner, and Mr. 
Stephen Sharp, were chosen to be a Committee of Correspondence 
Inspection and Safety for the j-ear ensuing 

Voted, that William Thompson, Mr. John Goddard and Mr. 
Stephen Sharp, be a Committee to examine the Town Treasurer's 
and School Treasurer's Acco'ts and to lay an account of Particu- 
lars befoi'e the Town 

Mr. Isaac Child and Capt. Thomas White were drawn to serve 
as petit Jurors at the Superior Court to be held 3rd Instant 



280 

Voted that whenever the Produce of the School Fund shall be 
insufficient to discharge the Expence of Keeping the School, the 
Selectmen be authorized and empowered to draw on the Town 
Treasurer for the delicienc}' and that the School be continued from 
this time, provided a qualified School master can be obtained 

Then the Meeting was dissolved 

Monday April 27. 1778 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline Law- 
fully assembled, at the Meeting House 

Major William Thompson was Chosen Moderator. 

In Compliance with a recommendation of the Committees of 
Fourteen Towns in the Count}' of SutTok and Two Towns in the 
County of Mid'dlesex met in Conference at Dedham on Tuesday 
the 14th da}' of April Current 

Voted the Major William Thompson, Mr. Nehemiah Davis, and 
Mr. Isaac Child be a Committee in Behalf of this Town, to proceed 
to Dedham to meet the Committees of other Towns who may as- 
semble there tomorrow at nine o'Clock, to confer and consult to- 
gether, upon the Form of Government lately offered to the People 
of this State for their approbation or disapprobation, and maturely 
to consider and advise whether the Same is Calculated to Promote, 
in the best manner attainable, the true and Lasting Happiness of 
the People of this State, and to secure to them and their Posterity 
those Just Rights Liberties and priviliges which as a Free People 
they are entitled to and by the favor of providence have so happy 
an oppertunity of affecting, also to consider and advise upon any 
other matter or thing that ma}' concern this Town, County, or 
State and to report the result of their Deliberations, to this Town 
at the adjournment of this Meeting or at the next Town Meeting 

Upon the petition of Doct'r William Aspinwall for Leave to 
improve his Dwelling House as an Hospital for inoculating with 
the Small Pox 

Voted in the Negative 



281 

Voted that Mr. Ellianau Winchester, Mr. Edward Kitchen 
"Wolcot, and Mr. Samuel Croft, be a Committee to petition to tlie 
General Court that the Hospital at Sewall point may be Discon- 
tinued 

Then the Meeting was Disolv'd 

attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

BrooMine Thursday May 21. 1778 

at a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall was Chosen to Represent this Town in 
the General Court for the Ensuing year 

Maj'r William Thompson was then Chosen moderator of this 
meeting 

Voted that twenty five hundred pounds be raised by a Tax on 
the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants and on the Estates of 
non-residents, to defray the necessary Expenses of this Town the 
Current year 

Voted that the Grammar School be continued and kept open 
through the year ensuing, and that whenerer the Produce of the 
School Fund shall be insufficient to defray the Expence of keeping 
said School, the Selectmen be authorized and impowered to draw 
on the Town Treasurer for payment of the deficienc}', conformable 
to a vote to that purpose passed the second day of march last 

Voted that Maj'r William Thompson, Col. Thomas Aspinwall 
and Stephen Sharp be a Committee to attain an account of all the 
charge this Town has ben at in paying Bountys or Extraordinary 
Wages to those persons who have engaged and Servd or may 
serve, for this Town as Soldiers in the Continental army, Expidi- 
tions & Guards 

Upon reading and considering the proposed new form of Gov- 
ernment ; Voted that the same is not calculated and adapted, to 
promote and secure in the best manner attainable, the True and 
lasting Happiness and Freedom of the People of tliis State that it 
is essential to a Constitution designed for that most important and 



282 

desirable End, that a full and express declaration of the Eights of 
the People, be made a part thereof, and that the Powers of Rulers 
Should be accurately defincnd and properl}^ L'imited ; that as the 
Form Proposed is almost totally deficient in those respects and im- 
perfect and intricate in man}- parts, it ought therefore to be re- 
jected, and this Meeting consisting of fortj- five voters do unani- 
mousl}' and absoluty reject the same 
Then the Meeting was dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Thursday Decem'TSd 1778 

At A meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookliue 
Lawfully Assembled 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall was chosen moderator 

Voted that this Town will make an allowance to the Rev'd 
Joseph Jackson the Currant year, in consideration of of the very 
high prices of the uecessarj's of Life 

Voted that Maj'r William Thompson Mr. Isaac Child and Mr. 
Samuel Craft be a Committee to consider how much the Town 
ought to allow Mr. Jackson in regard thereof, and that they be 
directed to withdraw immediately and make report to this meeting 
as soon as they are agreed 

The afores'd committee having withdrawn for some time return 
and report as their opinion, that it is Just and reasonable that the 
town do allow and pa}- five hundred and six pounds thirteen Shil- 
lings and four pence to the Eev'd Joseph Jackson in addition to 
his settled Sallar}' the Current year Viz from February one Thou- 
sand seven hundred and seventy eight to February one Thousand 
seven hundred and Seventy nine which sum makes up his Sallary 
Six hundred pounds in the whole — whereupon 

Voted that the Town do except their Committee's report respect- 
ing Mr. Jackson's Support and that Said sum be assessed at the 
next assesment 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



283 

Febnianj Wi 1779 Issued a warrant to Mr. Jonathan Dana, 
Constable to warn Capt. William Cambell, Mary Cambel his Wife, 
his Sons Daniel and Josiah, his Daughters Maiy Sarah and Lucy, 
Mr. Ebenezer White, Hannah his Wife his Sous Samuel, Ebenezer 
Joseph and John Loren, liis D<1ughters Ann and Mary Mr. Itha- 
mar Smith and Lydia Smith his Wife — Mr. Andrew Ellis and Mr. 
Daniel Seaver to depart this Town in fourteen days or give Securi- 
ty to indemnify and Save the Tov>-n from all Charge that may 

arise by means of their residence 

Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday March 20th 1779. 

At a meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brookline at the meeting House, Warned and assembled accord- 
ing to Law 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen moderator and the Town pro- 
ceeded to the choice of the following Persons to Serve in their 
respective offices the Year Ensuing Viz. 

Selectmen & Assessors Col. Thos. Aspiuwall, Stephen 
Sharp, Mr. Moses White Mr. Sam'el Craft, & Mr. Benj'm White 

Town Clerk Stephen Sharp Sworn 

Surveyors of Highway's Mr. John Goburn for the Lower dis- 
trict Mr. Benja'n White for the middle District, Mr. Daniel Daua 
for the South District. Mr. Abij'h Child for the fourth District 

Wardens Deac'n Elisha Gardner & Doct'r Wm. Aspinwall 

Fence Viewers Mr. Joshua Winship & Mr. Edward K. Wolcot 
Sworn 

Clerk of the market Mr. Eleaz'r Baker Sworn 

Sealer of Leather Dec'n Elhanan Winchester 

Field Drivers Mr. Sam'el Griggs & Mr. Caleb Gardner 

Hogreaves Nath'el Gk'iggs & John Spear 

Surveyor of Wood & Boards Mr. Eleaz'r Baker Sworn 

Town Treasurer Hon'ble Bcnj'n White Esq'r 

Committee of Correspondence & c't Maj'r Wm. Thompson 



284 

Col. Thos. Aspinwall Mr. John Heath Capt. Timothj^ Corey & 
Capt. Will'm Campbell were Chosen a Committee of Correspon- 
dencc'Inspcction & Safety for the year Ensuing 

Voted that Col. Thos. Aspinwall, Dea'n Elisha Gardner & Mr. 
Edward Kitchen Wolcott be a Committee to Examine the claims 
and Settle in there Opinion what allowance Ought to be made Such 
Persons as have done Extra military Service and lay the Same be- 
fore the Town at Our next Town meeting 

Voted to allow the Singing Society to Occupy the Seats in the 
front Gallerj', During the Pleasure of the Town, and to allow of 
such Alterations in the Seats as shall be most convenient for Sd 
Singers 

Voted that Sd alteration be under the direction of a Committee 
Viz Deac'n Elisha Gardner Mr. Neh'r Davis and Col. Thos. 
Aspinwall 

Voted that the Sum of four hundred pounds be raised in order 
for repairing the Highways in Sd Town the year Ensuing & that 
the Assessors be Directed to Assess Sd Sum from the last Valu- 
ation, as soon as possible and that the Surveyors See the Work 
is faithfully done by 15th June at the farthest, and that no man 
• be allow'd the price of a Da^'s work Unless he Labours faithfully 
Eight Hours agreeble to the Direction of the Surveyor 

Voted that Maj'r Wm. Thompson Doc'r Aspinwall and Mr. Edward 
Kitchen Wolcott be a Committee to Examine the Town Treasurers 
& School Treasurers Accounts and lay an account of Particulars 
before the Town at ma}- meeting 

Voted to Hire a Suitable person to Serve as Constable and Col- 
lector of Taxes the Ensuing Year 

Mr. Jonathan Dana offers to Serve as Constable and Collector 
of Taxes for the year for forty Bushels of Indian Corn, twenty 
Bushels to be paid upon his Collecting and paying into the Treas- 
ury one half the Taxes the other Twenty when he compleats his 
Collections 



285 

The Town Except his offer and mak choice of him as their Con- 
stable and Collector of Taxes for the Ensuing year 
Then the meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Cler. 

Thursday May 13th 1779 

At a Meeting of the Freeholder & other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline at 3-0 meeting House warned & assembled 
according to Law 

The Selectmen being moderators 

upon the Question whether the Inhabitants will clause some 
Suitable person to serve for & represent them in a great & General 
Court or assembly to be convened at Boston on ye 26th Instant, it 
was Voted in the afflrmitive 

The Inhabitants then Gave in their Votes & upon counting the 
Same, it appeared that Col. Thomas Aspinwall had twenty three 
votes out of twenty seven, he was according!}^ declared to be 
chosen Representative and being present he accepted that office 

Then Mr. John Goddard was chosen moderator 

Voted to accept the report of the Committee on the School 
Treasurer's accounts which they have Compleated, also to accept 
their report of the State of the Towns accounts so far as they have 
alread}' been able to proceed therein and that they be directed to 
compleat the State of the Towns accounts in the most exact man- 
ner in their power and to la}' it before the Town at the next meet- 
ing, also that they consider & report what method they judge most 
advisable for the Town to Observe hereafter in manageing their 
Orders and accounts 

Voted that the Sum or Sums of money that ma}^ be raised to 
defray the Charges of the Town the Current year, be assess'd at 
two assessments, & that the assessors assess the the Sum of three 
thousand pounds on polls Real, & Personal Estates of the Inhabi- 
tants of the Town and non resident Proprietors & commit ye same 

to ye Collector b}' ye 10th of June next 
37 



286 

Voted that Mr. Daniel White be Selectman in room of Mr. Ben- 
jamin White who declined Serving 

Voted to keep ye Grammar School through ye Summer Season 
provided a Suitable master may be obtained 

Voted that the Town pay to Mr. Jonathan Dana twenty Bushels 
of Indian Corn as soon as it may be obtained towards his Premium 
for Serving as Constable & Collector for 1778. 

Voted to accept the committee's report. Chosen Last Town meet- 
ing to examine the claims of Such persons as had done Extra 
military' Duty & had no consideration made 

Voted that Capt. Thomas White Lieut. Daniel White Mr. E. 
Kitchen Wolcott Mr. Ebenezer Davis & Mr. Jonathan Dana be a 
committee to hire Soldiers until the next Town meeting. 

Then the Meeting Desolv'd 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Wednesday June SOth 1779. 

At a Legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of 
the Town of Brookline at the meeting House 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen moderator 

Voted that Capt. Timothy Corey Mr. John Goddard, Mr. Isaac 
Child Maj'rWill'm Thompson & Mr. Abijah Child be a Committee 
to hire the number of men the Town is now Call'd upon to raise 

Voted that the Selectmen procure Such a sum of money as Said 
Committee Shall find necessary in order to hire Sd Soldiers and 
that the Town Treasurer give his Obligation in behalf of the Town 
for ye Same 

Capt'n John Goddard was Chosen to meet a proposed Conven- 
tion of Deligates from the Several Committees of Correspondence 
&. c. in this State at Concord on Wednesday the 14th of July 
next for the purpose of Carrying into Effect the attempt of Ap- 
preciating our money — then the Meeting was adjournd without 

Day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Cler 



287 

BrooMine Tuesday August 3cZ 1779 

At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of 
the Town of Brookline at the meeting House 

Capt'n John Goddard was Chosen Moderator 

A Copy of the Proceedings of the Convention at Concord being 
read Voted — That wee approve of the Resolutions of the Conven- 
tion at Concord, on the 14th of July last, & that wee will Take 
Suitable measures to carry the Same into Execution 

Upon motion made Col. Thos. Aspinwall Mr. Isaac Child, Maj'r 
Wm. Thompson, Capt'n Wm. Campbell & Capt'n John Goddard, 
were Chosen a Committee, to regulate the prices of Such articles 
as are not mentioned in the Proceedings of Said Convention 

Maj'r Wm. Thompson was Chosen to represent Said Town in a 
Convention at Cambridge on the first day Of Sept'r next for the 
Sole Purpose of forming a new Constitution 

Voted That this Town will make an allowance to the Rev'd 
Joseph Jackson for the current year, in consideration of the high 
Prices of Provisions 

Voted that Capt'n John Goddard Col. Thos. Aspinwall & Mr. 
Wm. Ackers, be a Committee to Consider how much the Town 
Ought to allow Mr. Jackson & that they withdraw Immediately & 
make report at this Present Meeting assoon as they are agreed 

The af re Said Committee having withdrawm for some time re- 
turn'd & reported as their Opinion, that it is Just & and Reasona- 
ble for the Town to make up Mr. Jacksons Sallary to one Thou- 
sand Five Hundred pounds in the whole for his Comfortable 
Support During the Current year. — whereupon 

Voted that this Town do Except their Committees report 
Respecting the allowance for Mr. Jackson's Support 

Voted to Raise the Sum of four Thousand Six hundred &, 
thirty five pounds on the Polls Real & Personal Estates of the In- 
habitants of this Town & non-resident Possessors, to Defray 
the Charges of the Town the current year 



288 

Voted that this meeting be Adjourn'd to Monday the 9th Inst 
at four a Clock in the Afternoon 

Monday August dth 1779 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants b}^ adjournment from Tuesday 
August 3d Capt. John Goddard, moderator 

Capt John Goddard was chosen to Represent the Town in the 
Convention at Concord on the first Wednesday in October next 

Voted that this meeting be adjourn'd to monday the 23d Inst, 
at four a Clock in the afternoon — and was adjournd accord- 
ingly 

3fonday Aicgiist 2Sd nid 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants by adjournment from monday 
August 9th Capt Goddard moderator 

Voted that it be left with the Committee to affix the Prices of 
Such arti(!les as are not mentioned in the Proceedings of the Con- 
vention at Concord, til after the County Convention at Water- 
town 

On a motion made Voted that the article inserted in the war- 
rant Respecting the Pew which the Town Lately sold to Capt. 
John Goddard, be Referd to some futer meeting 

Then the meeting was Adjournd without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday Octo'r Uth 1770 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
at the Meeting House — Col. Thom's Aspinwall Chosen Mode'r 

Voted that this meeting be adjournd to Jonathan Dana's where 
being jneet, Voted that Maj'r Wm. Thompson, Mr. Isaac Child, 
Dea. Elisha Gardner, Capt'n Wm. Campbell, & Mr. John Heath be 
a Committee to hire the number of men the Town is now Call'd 
upon to Raise to Reinforce the Continental Arm}^ for three months 

then the meeting was adjournd without Day 



289 

Friday Dec'r 31i 1779 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
at the Grammar School House 

Capt John Goddard Chosen Moderator 

Voted that the Town approve & Justifie their Committee 
Respecting their Proceedings with "William Hyslop Esq'r 

Upon motion made, Voted that this Meeting be adjournd to 
Thursday next at two Oclock in the After noon in this Place 

Thursday Jan. 6th 1780. Meet according to adjournment 
Capt John Goddard Moderator — Voted that the Selectmen be 

a Committee to collect the Money Due to the Town, for Soldiers 

Bounties Traveling Fees &. C. 

Then the Meeting was adjournd to monday Sennet at two Clock 

in the afternoon at this Place 

Monday Jan. 17th Meet according to adjournment 

Capt. John Goddard Moderator Voted that this Town is Sat- 
tisfied Respecting Mr. Hyslops Residence in great Briton & with 
the manner of his return 

Voted that the Town is Dissatisfied with Mr. Hj'slops Conduct 
Towards the Committee Scince his return 

Voted that this meeting be adjournd without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday March 6th 1780. 

At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of 
the Town of Brookline at the meeting house warn'd and assembled 
according to Law 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall was Chosen moderator, and the Town 
Proceeded to the Choice of the following Persons to Serve in their 
respective offices the year Ensuing Viz 



290 

Selectmen &; assessors Capt. John Goddard Maj'r Wm. 

Thompson and Capt'n William Campbell 

Town Clerk Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

Voted to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes 

Moved and Voted that this meeting be adjournd til tomorrow 

afternoon at one o Clock in this Place 

Tuesday March 1th Meet according to Adjonrnm't 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall Moderator 

Constable Deac. Elhanan Winchester offers to serve the Tov/n 
as Constable and Collector of Taxes the Ensuing year for fifty five 
Bushels of Indian Corn, the Except his ofier and make Choice of 
him as their Constable and Collector for the j^ear Ensuing 

Sur-^eyors of Highways Mr. Ebenez'r Davis for the North Dis- 
trict, Mr. Caleb Gardner for the middle District Mr. Gulliver 
Winchester for the South District Mr. Nath'l Winchester for the 
New District 

Wardens Mr. Joshua Boylston and Mr. David Hj'slop 

Fence Viewers Mr. Moses White and Mr. Jonathan Dana 

Clark of the market Mr. Eleaz'r Baker, 

Sealer of Leather Deac. Elhanan Winchester 

Field Drivers ' Mr. James Winchester and Mr. Royal Wood 

Hogreaves Mr. Samuel Griggs and Mr. Thaddeus Hide 

Surveyor of Wood & Boards Mr. Eleaz'r Baker. 

Town Treasurer Maj'r William Thompson Chosen Town 
Treasurer 

Committee of Correspondence. Maj'r Wm. Thompon. Doc'r 
Wm. Aspinwall and Mr. Isaac Child 

Stephen Sharp was Chosen Tithing man. 

Voted that Mr. Nehemiah Davis, Mr. Isaac Child, Col. Thos. 
Aspinwall, Capt'n John Goddard, and Mr. Moses White, be a 
Committee to Consider, and Settle in their Opinion what is Just 
and reasonable : for the Town to allow Mr. Jackson for his 



291 

Comfortable maintauance and Support for the j^ear to come, as 
well as what Allowance for the year past, and make report at 
may meeting 

Voted that the Thanks of the Town be given to the Hon. Benj'n 
White Esq'r for his good Services as Town Treasurer for a number 
ofj'ears past 

Voted that the Petition of Mr. Thos. Griggs that the Town 
would abate his proportionable part of Mr. Jacksons Sallery be 
refered to Some futer meeting 

Voted that the Town give Mr. Jonathan Dana former Collector 
Sixty pounds Over and above his premium, Provided he Compleats 
his Collections, and Settles with the Town Treasurer by next May 
meeting 

Voted that Mr. Isaac Child Admin'r to the Est'e of Wm. Davis 
former Collector upon paying the Sum he has collected, be dis- 
charged from all the outstanding Taxes, except any he may be 
able to Collect hereafter 

Voted, that the laud in the Town be measured, and the 
money Spent in measuring the Same be raised by a Tax on Said 
Land 

Voted that Capt. John Goddard, Mr. Isaac Child, and Doct'r 
Wm. Aspinwall, be committee to see to the measur'g of Said Land 

Voted that Maj'r Wm. Thompson, Doct'r Wm. Aspinwall & 
Mr. Edward Kitchen Wolcott, be a Committee to Examine the 
Town and School Treasurers accounts & report at May Meeting 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Cler, 

Monday May \^th 1780. 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
at the Meeting House — the Selectmen moderators 

Upon the Question, whether the Inhabitants would Choose Some 
Suitable Person to represent them in a Great and General Court 
or Assembly to be Convened at Boston, on the 31st Instant it was 
Voted in the Affirmative 



292 

Then the Inhabitants gave in their Votes and upon counting the 
Same it appeared that Col. Thomas Aspinwall was Chosen Repre- 
sentative, and it waa accordingly Declared, 

Then Capt, John Goddard was Chosen Moderator, 

The Constitution or form of Government Agreed upon b}^ the 
Dalegates of the People of the State of Massachusetts Bay, being 
read, the Meeting was adjournd till two o Clock in the afternoon, 
then being Meet 

It was put to Vote to See if the Town would dismiss Deac. 
Elhanan Winchester from Serving as Constable and Collector the 
present 3'ear. Voted in the negative 

Then the form of Government was taken under Consideration* 
and Assented to as far as the 10th article in Chapter 2dSect'n 1st 
Except the following Articles, Viz. the third Article in the Bill 
of rites Assented to by thirty nine Voters, Eight dissented pro- 
posing this amendment, that Every Estate in the Town Should 
bear an equal Proportion of the Charges that arise in Maintaining 
the Congregational Minister in that Town where the Estate Laj's 

The 2d Article in Chapter 2d Sect'n 1st Assented to by twelve, 
Twenty one for this with this Amendment, Dealing the word 
Christian and Puting in Protestants 

Chapt'r 2d Sect 1st — 13th Article Assented to provided the Sal- 
aries be not Established while the present War and Scarcity Lasts 
— because it would require at least a Double Sum for an Hon- 
orable Support in Such Times as the Present to what would 
be necessar}' in Times of Peace and Pleuty and no Provision is 
made for lessening any Salarys once Established, therefore til the 
return of Peace and Plenty as before the War, the Salar3's Ought 
to be granted yearily — the grants to be made among the first acts 
of the Gen'l Court Ever}^ year 

Then the Meeting was adjournd til to morrow Morning at Eight 
OClock in this Place 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



293 

Tuesday May 16th 1780. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline bj^ 
adjournment from Monday 15th Inst't 

Capt. John Goddard Moderator. 

Then the Remaining part of the form of Government which has 
not been Considered was taken Under consideration and Assented 
to Except the 1st 7th and 10th Articles in Chapt'r 6th to which 
the following Alterations were proposed. Viz twelve Voters for the 
1st Article as it Stands, twenty one for Dealing the word Chris- 
tian and putting in Protestant — twenty six Voters Accept the 
10th Article as it Stands four do not Accept it. . 

7th Article Assented to with this Alteration, Dealing the word 
twelve and putting in three, and that Only in time of War, Rebel- 
ion or Invasion 

Then Col. Thom's Aspiuwall, Mr. Caleb Croft. Mr. John Harris 
Jun'r Mr. Nehem'r Davis, and Mr. Edward Kitchen Wolcott, were 
Chosen a Committee to take under Consideration and determine 
what method Shall be taken to Ascertain the Quantity and Val-ue 
of the land in Said Town, in order to a more Equatable Assess- 
ment thereof, and make report at the next meeting 

Voted that this meeting be adjournd to Wednesday Sennet at 
eight a Clock in the Morning at this Place 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

Wednesday May 24:tk 1780 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Said Town by Adjournment 
from Tuesda}^ the 16th Instant 

Capt. John Goddard Moderator 

The report of the Committee appointed to take Under Consid- 
eration and determin what method Shall betaken to Ascertain the 
Quantit}' and Value of the Land in Said Town in Order to a more 
Equatable Assessment being read was not Accepted 

then Voted to adjourn the Meeting til half after two o Clock 
38 



294 

being Meet it put to Vote to see if the Town would reconsider the 
Vote pas'd last March Meeting, to measure the Town and Every 
mans land therein, Voted in the Negative 

Voted that Capt. John Goddard, Maj'r Wm. Thompson, Capt. 
Wm. Campbell, Mr. Caleb Croft, and Col. Thom's Aspinwall be a 
Committee to View all the land in Town and Prise the Same in 
Order to a more Equitable Taxation 

Voted to Excuse Capt. Goddard from Serving on the Committee 
for measuring the Town — Voted that Mr. Caleb Croft, Mr. Moses 
White, and Mr. Ebenez'r Davis be added to Said Comm'te 

Voted that the Constable be directed to Collect and pay in one 
half of the Town Tax to the Treasurer by the 1st Day of Sept'r 
next and the Other half b}^ the 1st Day Jan. next 

Voted that Mr. Jonathan Dana Mr. John Coburn & Mr. Sam'el 
Clark be a Committee to hire Soldiers 

Voted that the Town Treasurer be authorized to hire such Sum 
of money for and in behalf of the Town,' as shall be necessary for 
the Purpose of hiring Men, or for any other Charges of the Town 
as he shall be directed thereto by the Selectmen 

The Vote being put to See if the Town would Continue the 
grammar School During the Summer Season. Voted in the Nega- 
ative — Voted that a Womans School be kept three month, one 
month in the School House at the Lower End of the Town, one 
month in the middle of the Town and one month in the School 
House at ye South part of the Town — Voted to abate Miss Mary 
Boylstons Taxes which Remain unpaid. 

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday the 5th Day 
of June next in this place 

BrooJdine June 5th 1780. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of 
said Town by adjournment from "Wednesday May 24th 
Capt. John Goddard Moderator 
Voted that the Town approve of the Proceedings of the 



295 

Committee of Correspondence Inspection and Safty respecting the 
Petition of Mr. John Green to the Gen'l Assembly to attain posses- 
sion of the forfeited Estate of Henr}- Holton, and that the Town 
Confirm and approve the reasons and objections tlie said Commit- 
tee offerd Said Assembly against the Granting of Said Greens 
Petition. 

Also Voted that the Representative of this Town in the Gen. 
Court be directed to oppose the Grant of Said Estate, or any part 
of it to said Green in Consideration of his acct. of Services for the 
Kings Custom Houses — and that the Committee of Correspond'e 
be desired to take Such further Steps as thej' Shall Judge proper 
in the name and behalf of the Town to prevent the said Green's 
Obtaining possession of Said Estate, or an}^ part of it 

Voted that such Persons as have any Papers relative to Soldiers 
Milage Travelling Fees &. c. Due to the Town, are Desired to 
Deliv'r Said papers to the Commttee appointed to Collect said 
Milage money 

Voted that all persons that are Posses'd of any Papers that are 
Necessar}' to the Committees making a report of the Debt and 
Credit of the Town be Desired to Deliver Said papers to the Com- 
mittee appointed for that Purpose 

Voted to abate the Poll Tax Assessed on Mr. Thos. Griggs Sons, 
John and Joseph ; after their Disceas 

The Committee appointed 13th March to consider of the 
most advisable method to be observ'd in Managing the Towns 
accounts and the Selectmeus Orders — report by Reccommending 
to the town to Pass the foll'g Votes 

To the Intent that the Towns accounts may be kept in Regular 
Order, and that the state of them may be Easaly known at anatime 
hereafter 

Voted that for the futer the Town Treasurer pay no order drawn 
upon him b}' the Selectmen, unless the same be presented to him 
for Payment within fourteen Days from the Date thereof. 



296 

That everj' order paid by the Treasurer be entered Particularly 
in his Books 

That no Constable or Collector of Taxes be permitted to pay 
any monej^ on account of the Town, to any Person, except the 
Town Treasurer, unless by his order in writing 

That no Constable or Collector shall be Discharged of any sum 
or Sums of Money he Shall Discount, by virtue of the Selectmens 
orders, out of any Persons Taxes unless he shall Settle the Same 
with the Town Treasurer in one month after Such Discount. 

That no Constable or Collector be allowed his Premium for Col- 
lecting Taxes, unless he Shall paj^ into the hands of the Town 
Treasurer, or Settle with him the whole amount of the list or lists 
of Taxes Committed to him to Collect within the Time fixed in the 
Warrants, or unless he shall make out and Deliver to the Select- 
men an account of the Taxes contained in Such lists that are un- 
setled, and make it appear to their Satisfaction that he has done 
all in his Power to Collect the same in which case they may allow 
a further time for collecting the Same not Exceeding three months, 
at the End of Which time, he shal Deliver them a new account of 
Taxes outstanding on every Such respective list, which Shall be by 
them Laid before the Town at the next Town Meeting for the Town 
Consideration and Determination thereon 

That whenever the Town Shall find it Expedient to pass a Vote ; 
to hire any Sum of Money upon Interest for the Towns use, the 
Town Treasurer Shall be authorized to receive such monej's and 
to give Bond or note in the name and Behalf of the Town for the 
Same, and it Shall be his business to pay oflT all Bonds or notes 
given by Himself or predecessors in that Office, or that ben ben 
heretofore given by the Selectmen and are now unpaid, also to 
keep a particular account of the Monej's so Borrowed and paid off 

That the Town Treasurer be enjoined to keep a Separate Ac- 
count in his Book, for every Constable an Collector of Taxes, and 
Shall charge him for the amount of Every Tax List Committed to 



297 

him to Collect, and Shall give him Credit for all mone3'S he shall 
pa}^ in to the Town Treasury, and for all abatements that Shall be 
made. 

That Moneys Voted and levied for any particular purpose Shall 
not be applied to any other purpose, unless upon any Sudden 
Emergency it Shall become unavoidable. 

That the Town Treasurer shall be held to lay his Books or ac- 
counts before the Town at their May Meeting annualy for their 
Inspection 

The Committee appointed the last annual March Meeting to see 
what method Should be taken in order to enable the Rev'd Joseph 
Jackson to Support himself and Family for the Present year, re- 
port as follows Viz. that he be paid his Salary-, in money equal to 
Produce at the Prices hereafter mentioned, that is, Indian Corn at 
four Shillings pr. Bushel, English Hay at four Shillings pr. Hun- 
dred Wt, good Beef and mutton at four pence pr. pound, and 
Butter at ten pence pr. pound. 

And that a Committee be Chosen to Examine into the prices of 
the above mentioned articles and report to the Town Treasurer 
once a month what Sum ought to be paid to make it equal to the 
aforementioned prices ; and that the Treasurer be Desired to make 
paj-ment of such sums as Mr. Jackson has not Rec'd by wa}^ of 
the Box Each month During the year — and that Mr. Jackson be 
repaid Such sums as he has been obliged to Expend out of his 
own Estate in the time pas'd 

Voted that the Town do Accept of the report of their Committee 
Respecting Mr. Jacksons Support and maintenance for the present 
year. 

Voted that Doct'r William Aspinwall, Capt William Campbel 
and Deac'n Elisha Gardner be a Committee for the purpose Men- 
tioned in Said report 

Voted that after Mr. Kingsbury has ascertained the Quantit}' of 
Land contained in the Town, and has measured, and deducted the 



298 

number of acres contained in the Roads and waste Lands, the 
whole Number of Acres remaining in the Town Shall be Taxed in 
Every filter Assessment, and in the following manner. Viz. Every 
man who Shall have his land measured by an able and SWorn Sur- 
ve3'or, and Sworn Chainman, Shal be Taxed for no more than his 
Proportionable part of Sd Number of rateable Acres according to 
its value ; and the remainder Shall be Tax'd to the other Persons 
in Proportion as shall be Judg'd proper and Equal b}' a Committee 
Chosen for that purpose 

Upon a motion the Vote was put to see if the Tovt^n would re- 
consider a Vote pass'd last Tovfn meeting Respecting the abate- 
ment of Miss Mary Boylston Rates, Voted in the Afferraative 

Voted that the Sum of Eighteen thousand five Hundred and 
twenty nine pounds, be Assessed on Polls, Pteal and Personal Es- 
tates of the Inhabitants of this Town, and Non resident Posses- 
sors, and that the same be Collected and Paid into the Treasury 
by the first Daj' of Sept'r next 

Then the meeting was Desolv'd 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Cler. 

July Sd 1780. 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
at the Meeting House — Maj'r Wm. Thompson was chosen Mod- 
erator. 

Voted that the Sum of Eighteen Thousand three Hundred and 
Seventy three pounds be Raised on Polls, real and Personal Es- 
tates of the Inhabitants, and on Non resident Possessors, in addi- 
tion to the Sura Granted at the last Town Meeting. 

Voted that the sum now Granted be Assessed, Collected, and 
paid into the Town Treasury by the loth Inst. — and that the 
Collector be directed to Distrain on Such Persons as do not pay 
their proportionable part of Said sum by that time 

Voted that Doct'r Aspinwall, INIr. Gulliver Winchester and 



299 

Deac'n Gardner, be a Committee to go round the Town to see who 
will Advance Money for the purpose of hireing men for Military 
Service, and Receive the same and Deliver it to the Treasurer, 
and that those persons who adv'ce more than thare propoi'tionable 
part be allowed Interest for the Same. 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd to next Thursday Six 
o Clock afternoon at Mr. Jonathan Dana's. 

Tlmrsday July 13th 1780 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline at the 
Meeting House, Maj'r William Thompson Chosen Moderator 

Voted that Capt White be desired to Issue his Warrant to warn 
the Training Band and alarm list to meet to Morrow afternoon at 
five a Clock in this place in order to raise the Remainder of the 
Town's Quota of Men by draft if they cannot be Raised any other 
way be fore that time and that Notice be given that such persons 
as shall not actend the meeting be the first Drafted 

Voted that this meeting be adjournd til to Morrow afternoon at 
five a Clock in this place 

Friday July Hth 1780. the Inhabitants being meet according 
to the adjournment — Maj'r William Thompson Moderator. 

Voted that a Committee be chosen to go round among the Peo- 
ple in the present meeting to see who will advance money for the 
purpose of hiring Meen — Voted that Doct'r Aspinwall & Dea. 
Gardner serve on Said Committee, — Voted that Col. Aspinwall 
Capt. White and Mr. Ackers be a Committee to go round among 
the People present to see if any Incline' to Ingage to serve as 
Soldiers for the Town 

Voted that this meeting be adjournd to Mr. Bakers immediate- 
ly where being meet. Voted that the article in the Warrant Re- 
specting Mrs. Sarah Davis's Claim to the Pew Sold by the Town 
to Mr. John Goddard be refered for the present. 



300 



Voted that the Town will not give more than fifteen Hundred 
pounds pr. Man for the Militia which are Call'd for for three 
months provided the Town holds the State pay, and thirteen hun- 
dred* Pounds if the Soldiers holds the States Pay. and that the 
Committee do not give that sum after next tuesday, and that Mr. 
Gulliver Winchester, Deac'n Gardner, and Doct'r Aspinwall. be a 
Committee to hire Sd men in room of the former Committee for 
that purpose who Decline to Serve in that office 

Voted that the Thanks of the Town be given to miss Mary 
Boylston for three Silver Dollars given by her for the Incourage- 
ment of Such Men as Shall Ingage to serve as Soldiers for the 
Town ' - 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd til next Tuesday Evening 
seven a Clock at the School House 



Monday Sept'r Atk, 1780, 
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of Choosing a Governor and Lieutenant Governor for 
the Common Wealth of Massachusetts and Six Persons to Offici- 
ate as Counsellors or Senators for the District of Suffolk 
For a Governor — 

Thirty three Votes for the Hon. John Hancock Esq'r 
For a Lieutenant Governor. 

Twenty fives Votes for the Hon. Azor Orn Esq'r 
Three for Samuel addams Esq'r 
one for the Hon John Pickering Esq'r 
one for the Hon Jeremia Powel Esq'r 
one for the Hon James Warren Esq'r 
one for the Hon Artemas Ward Esq'r 
For Persons to be Counsellors or Senators 

Fourteen for the Hon. James Bowdoin Esq'r 
Twenty five for the hon Jeremia Powel Esq'r 
Twenty four for the hon Benjamin White Esq'r 



301 

Twenty two for tlie lion Jabes Fisher Esq'r 

Sixteen for the hon John Pitts Esq'r 

Twelve for Caleb Davis Esq'r 

Ten for hon Sam'el Niles Esq'r 

Nine for Increas Sumner Esq'r 

Nine for Joseph Palmer Esq'r 

Five for John Lowel Esq'r 

Five for Benjamin Austin Esq'r 

Five for Thomas Gushing Esq'r 

Two for Jonathan Medcalf Esq'r 

Two for Rev'd Doct'r Wm. Gordon 

one for Samuel Addams Esq'r 

One for Samuel Austin Esq'r 
Voted that Mr. Isaac Child. Mr. Joshua Boylston and Deac'n 
Elisha Gardner be a Committee to See that Mr. Jacksons Wood 
is broug't 

Voted to raise two thousand pounds for the purpose of repairing 
the Highways 

Voted to adjourn this Meeting til Wednesday Evening Six a 
clock at Mr. Jonathan Dana's 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Fryday Sepfr 29th 1780 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline at the 
Meeting House Warnd according to Law 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall Chosen Moderator. 

Voted that the Sum of Eighteen Thousand Eight Hundred and 
forty one pounds be raised by a tax on Polls, Real and Personal 
Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, and Non resident Pos- 
sessors for the Purpose of Purchasing Supplys for the Army and 
that the surplus (if any bee) bee applyed as the Town shall here- 
after Direct 

Voted that said sum be Assessed, Collected, and paid into the 
Hands of the Town Treasurer by the 20th of Octo'r next 
89 



302 

Voted that Deac'n Elhanan Winchester bee allowed two and a 
half per cent for collecting the said sum Provided he collects and 
pays in the same to the Sattisfaction of the Selectmen 

Voted that such Persons as Shall pay their proportion of Said 
Tax by next Wednesday be allowed five per cent for the same. 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned til next Wednesday at five 
a clock at the School House 

Wednesday Octob'r Ath 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants by adjournment from Frydaye 
Sept'r 29th 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall being Moderator. 

Voted that those Persons that have not paid their part of the 
above said Tax be allowed five per. Cent, provided they pay b}' 
tomorrow noon 

Voted that said Money bee paid to Maj'r Ausgood in Stead of 
the Towns Proportion of Beef for the Arm3\ at the rate of one 
Hundred and fifty pounds pr. Hundred Weight agreeable to his 
Letter Directed to the Selectmen. 

Voted that this meeting be adjournd without Daj^ and was ad- 

jourud accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday Ocl'r 9/h 1780, 

At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of 
the Town of Brookline for the Purpose of Choosing a Representa- 
tive, conformably to a resolve of the late Convention of the six- 
teenth of June last, . 

The Hon. Benjamin White Esq'r was Chosen to Represent Said 
Town in a great and general Court or Assembly to be hoi den on 
Wednesday the twenty fifth day of Oct'r current, at the State House 
in Boston ten O'clock before noon. 

Then the Meeting was desolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



iib 



303 

December 2Gth 1780. 

At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants 
of the Town of Brookline at the Meeting House 

Capt'n William Campbell Chosen Moderator 

Voted that Capt'n William Campbell, Mr. Jonathan Dana, and 
Mr. Isaac Child, be a Committee to take under Consideration the 
Petition of Mrs. Sarah Davis, and report thereon at the adjourn- 
ment of this meeting 

Voted that Dea'n Elisha Gardner, Mr. Isaac Child be a Com- 
mittee to determiu upon some rule for the Settlement of Such 
Debts as were due from the Town before last march or Since that 
time, and report at the adjournment of this meeting. 

Then the Meetmg was adjournd to the School House Immedi- 
atel}^ — where being meet 

Voted that the Sum of Seven Hundred and fifty pounds in Silver 
money or paper Equivelant be raised in this Town for the purpose 
of raising Soldiers, or any other use the Town Shall se fit to put 
it to. — and that said sum be assessed, Collect'd and paid in by 
the last Day of Jan'ry 1781. 

Voted that Mr. William ackers, Mr. Abijah Child and Mr. Isaac 
Gardner be a Committee to Ingage the Men this Town is call'd 
upon to raise, to fill up the Continental Army on the most Reason- 
able terms they can, and report at the next Town Meeting 

Voted that the sum of twenty five Thousand pounds be raised 
for the purpose of procuring the Quantit}^ of Beef this Town is 
Call'd upon to Supply the Army with 

Voted that the sum of twenty five Thousand pounds be Raised 
for the purpose of Defraying the current Charges of the Town 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd til next Wednesday sennate 
at two a clock in the afternoon at the Meeting House, and was 
adjournd accordingly. 

Wednesday Jan'ry Sd 1781. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Brookline at the Meeting House by adjournment 



304 

from Tuesdajr 26th Dec'r 1780, — Capt'n William Campbell the 
moderator being absent, Maj'r Will'm Thompson was chosen 
in his room, — Voted that this Meeting be adjourud to the School 
House Immediately 

Then tke Meeting was adjoiu'nd accordingl}' 

and being Meet according to adjournment 

Voted that all Debts due from the Town upon Bonds or notes 
be paid either in Silver Money or in Paper Currency equivelant 
thereto at the current exchange at the time of Pament according 
to the true and Just value of such Debts in Silver Monej' or paper 
currency at the Times those Debts were respectively contracted — 
and that the Selectmen be authorized to allow and Settle all other 
accounts and demands against the Town acco]ifting as the same 
shall appear to them to be just and equitable 

Voted that for the futer all accounts and demands against the 
Town be presented to the Selectmen for payment within three 
Months from the Time such accounts or demands may respectively 
become due ; and that whosoever shall neglect to present their ac- 
counts or other demands against the Town within that term shall 
be considered as having generously given the amount thereof for 
the Use and benefit of the Towngr^^id the Selectmen shall not 
have authority to allow of any accounts or demands nor to draw 
Orders for payment thereof if delayed beyond that Term 

Voted that this meeting be adjourd til to-Morrow afternoon in 
this place and was adjourud accordingly 

Thursday JanWy Atk'1781. 

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline by adjourn- from the 3d Day of Jan'ry current, 
— Maj'r William Thompson Moderator, 

Voted as the Opinion of this Town, that Mrs. Sarah Davis has 
no right in the Pew sold by the Town to Mr. John Goddard, and 
that her petition be Dismiss' d. 



305 

Voted that the Selectmen be directed to draw on the Town 
Treasurer for the payment of the Charges of negro Exeter's last 
Sickness and Funeral if application should be made to them for 
pa3^ment the amount of such expence to be charged to the Estate 
of Mr. Isaac Winchester Deceas'd if any Such estate remains, 

Voted that every Town Inhabitant be authorized to hire any 
Soldiers to serve for three Years or during the War for this Towns 
Quota for the Continental Army — and that Every Inhabitant that 
shall procure a man shall be allowed four Dollars for his Trouble, 
and that the Town will pay each Soldier who shall engage in that 
Service as much more than the Publick pay as to make up his 
Wages to six pounds pr Month during the Time he shall continue 
in actual Service and that each Soldier be paid sixty Dollars in 
advance towards his Wages, and shall also be paid whatever shall 
be due to him from the Town at the end of every six Months, and 
if not paid within twenty Days after application b}^ themselves or 
agents then to be allowed ten percent Interest from the Time of 
application til paid 

Voted that in all Enter Town Meetings that the Inhabitants go 
upon Business in one Hour after the time set, if there is no more 
than five Voters present 

Voted that this Meeting be adjonrnd to Monday next at the 
Meeting House at two a Clock in the Afternoon and was adjonrnd 
accordingly 

Brookline Monday Jan'ry 8th 1781. At a Meeting of the Free- 
holders and other Inhabitants b}^ Adjournment from Thursday the 
4th Day of Jan'ry current Maj'r William Thompson Moderator 

Voted that of the Sum of seven Hundred and fifty pounds 
Granted the 26th December 1780, to be raised in Silver monc}^, 
only three Hundred pounds thereof be assessed and paid in, on or 
before the 31st of January 1781. 

Voted that the Town allow and pay to Maj'r William Thompson 



306 

ten shillings new Emmision per day for the Time spent in the 
Service of the Town, at the late Convention for for Forming the 
new Constitution 

Voted that the assessors be a Committee to determin on whom 
the deficient Quantity of Land shall be Taxed agreeable to a Vote 
passed in Town Meeting 5th June 1780. 

Voted that Col. Thorn's Aspinwall, Mr. Moses White, Mr. 
Sam'el Croft, Mr. Caleb Croft, Mr. Isaac Child, Mr. Joshua Boyls- 
ton, Capt. Timothy Core}", Mr. Caleb Gardner Mr. Nath'el Seaver 
and Mr. Ebenez'r Davis, be a Conjraittee for the purpose of hiring 
this Towns Quota of men into the Continental Service. 

Whereas upwards of Fift}" Children belonging to this Town 
daily attend at School, and a Number of others from the adjacent 
Town have also been admitted there this season as usual for Sev- 
eral Years past, whereby the whole Number of Scholars is become 
so great that it cannot be expected the Schoolmaster can teach 
them all with any Probable prospect of advantage to the Scholars 
— therefore Voted that Mr. Isaac Reed the present Schoolmaster 
be directed not to permit the Children from any adjacent Town to 
come to School, while the number of Scholars belonging to this 
Town continues so large as to require all his attention to their 
Instruction, 

Then the Meeting was dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Cler. 

Monday March 6th 1781 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warnd and assembled according to Law — Benjamin White Esq'r 
being chosen Moderator, the Town proceded to the choice of the 
following Persons to serve as Town Officers for the ye&r ensuing 

Viz 

Town Clerk Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk, and 
Sworn 



307 

Selectmen and Assessors Benjamin White Esq'r Mr. John 
Godclard, and Capt'n William Campbell, chosen Selectmen & 
Assess's 

Town Treasurer, Doct'r William Aspinwall chosen Town 
Treasurer, 

Voted to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes. 

Constable, Mr. Ebenez'r Davis otfers to serve the Town as 
Constable and Collect the Taxes for one penney half penney 
on the Pound — The Town accept his offer and choose him for their 
Constable and Collector of Taxes for the present year. 

Surveyors of the Highways Capt'n Corey for the North dis- 
trict, Mr. Caleb Gardner for the midde district, Mr. Gulliver 
Winchester for the South district, and Mr. Abijah Child for the 
New district 

Fence Viewers Mr. John Goddard and Mr. Moses White 

Mr. Eleaz'r Baker Chosen Clark of the Market. 

Mr. Elhanan Winchester chosen sealer of Leather. 

Wardens Mr. Isaac Gardner and Mr. Samuel Clark 

Hogreaves Mr. Samuel Griggs & Mr. Daniel Child, Chosen 
Hogreaves 

Mr. Eleaz'r Baker chosen Surve3^or of Boards 

Field Drivers Mr. Caleb Gardner & Mr. Samuel Croft chosen 
Field Drivers 

Voted that Mr. John Goddard, Mr. Isaac Child and Col. Thomas 
Aspinwall be a Committee to consider how much the Town ought 
to allow the Rev'd Joseph Jackson, for the present year, in consid- 
eration of the high prices of the Necessarys of Life, and Report 
at the adjournment of this Meeting 

Voted to adjourn this meeting til half after two o clock this 
afternoon in this place — being Meet according to adjournment — 
Voted that the Tax for hiring Soldiers into the Continental Army, 
be paid in paper Money at the rate of Se\ienty five paper Dollars 
for one Silver Dollar, and thai; the Treasurer be desired to ex- 
change the same for hard Money if needed, 



308 

Voted that the Selectmen be a committee to Inquire into the 
Sum of the Taxes on the Ministerial Lot in Needham, and report 
at the next Meeting, 

Voted that Mr. Samuel Croft be desired to take care of the 
Stock of Arms and ammunition or any other article or articles that 
belong to this Town, 

Voted that Doct'r William Aspinwall, Col. Thomas Aspinwall, 
and Mr. Nehemiah Davis be a committee to Enquirq into the 
Debt and Credit of the Town, and to Settle all Maj'r William 
Thompson's accounts against the Town, and any other accounts 
that have been presented to the Selectmen for Settlement and they 
choose to refer to said Committee, agreeable to the Scale of Depre- 
ciation, and report at the next Town Meeting 
(a Vote Previous to the choice of Selectmen and Assessors omitted) 

Voted that the Selectmen and Assessors be allowed their Rea- 
sonable expences while they are imployed in Town Business 

Voted to adjourn this meeting til next Wednesday Sennet at one 
a Clock in the afternoon. 

Wednesday March litli 1781. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline by 
adjournment from Monda}' March 5th at the Meeting House 

Benj'n White Esq'r being Moderator 

Voted that the Committee Chosen the 5th lust't to consider 
what allowance the Town ought to make the Rev'd Joseph Jack- 
son for the present j'ear, take the matter under further considera- 
tion and report at the next Town Meeting 

Voted to allow and pay Maj'r William Thompson twelve shil- 
lings per da}^, while he Represented this Town in the late Conven- 
tion for forming the new Constitution 

Voted to Raise a sum of Money (on Polls Real, and Personal 
Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town and non residen Propri- 
etors) not exceeding twenty five Thousand pounds for defraying 
the necessary charges of the Town. 



309 

Voted that the Vote pas'd the 3d day of Janr'y last Respecting 
hiring Soldiers into the Continental Army for three years, be 
Reconsided, and that the Committee be desired to procure the 
men on the best terms the}' can 

Voted that the Select men be a Committee to Tax the deficient 
Quantity- of Land on those Persons that have not got their Land 
Surveyed, agreeable to a Vote of the Town Passed the 5th June 
last 

Voted that this Town do approve of the Proceedings 'of the 
General Court in Rej)ealing the late Tender Act 

Voted to adjourn this Meeting til next Thursdaj' Sennet at one 
o clock in the afternoon at this Place 

Tlmrsdmj March 22d 1781. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline. by 
adjournment from Wednesday the 14th March, at the Meeting 
House — Benj'n White Esq'r being Moderator 

Voted that the article in the Warrant Respecting Rev'd Joseph 
Jacksons Sallary be Refer'd to the next Town Meeting 

Voted that the Sum of one Hundred pounds in Silver Money or 
Paper Mone}- equivelant at the current Exchange, be raised by a 
Rate for the purpose of Repairing the Highways in this Town 
the Present j'ear, and that the Survej'ors give legal Warning to 
the Inhabitants to work out the Sum or Sums set against their 
Names in the Rate List, and if anj" Person or Persons shall 
neglect or refuse to work out the Sum or Sums whereat they are 
Assessed in Said List b}- the first Da}' of Oct'r next then the Sur- 
veyor is to give the List into the Hands of the Collector to collect 
the Same 

Voted that the Town will make Mr. Elhanan Winchester a 
further allowance of four Hundred pounds old Currency, for his 
Extraordinary Trouble in warning Town Meetings, and Collecting 
Taxes the last year 
40 



310 

Voted that the article in the Warrant Respecting Raising a 
Fund for the purpose of Supporting a Congregational Minister in 
this Town be Refered to the next Town Meeting 

Whereas the Assessors have Classed the Inhabitants agreeable 
to a Resolve Passed the 26th Feb'3' last 

Voted that Each Class be impowered to Retain in their hands or 
draw out of the Treasur}^, their Proportionable part of the last 
Rate made for the Purpose of hiring Soldiers 

Vote'd that the Valuation for Raising the Sum of money not 
exceeding twenty five Thousand pounds grantted the 14th Inst't 
be taken the Second day of april next 

Voted that this Meeting be Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

March 30^A 1781. 
This Certify eth that I have Survey 'd in the Town of Brookline 
the Farm of Mr. Isaac Child, in the begining of March 1781, ac- 
cording to my best Skill and Judgment, Joseph Child, and Wm. 
Winchester, were Chain Men, and Sd Fai-m Contains Seventy 
two Acres one Quarter & Seven Rods 

Jonathan Kingsbury Jun'r Sur'r 
A true Cop3'. Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline April 2cl 1781. 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of choosing a Governor, and Lieutenant Governor, for 
the common Wealth of Massachusetts, and Six Persons to officiate 
as Counsellers or Senators for the District of Suffolk, the Inhabi- 
tants Brought in their Votes as follows Viz 
For a Governor 

Twenty nine Votes for his Excellency John Hancock Esq'r 
For a Lieutenant Governor 

Twent}^ two for Azor Orne Esq'r 
Eleven for Samuel Addams Esq'r 



311 

For Persons to be Coimsellors or Senators 
Thirty five for Jeremia Powel Esq'r 
Thirtj^ five for John Pitts Esq'r 
Thirty four for Jaber Fisher Esq'r 
Thirty three for Caleb Davis Esq'r 
Thirty' two for Benjamin White Esq'r 
Twenty four for Increase Sumner Esq'r 
Ten for Richard Cranch Esq'r 
Two for Samuel Niles Esq'r 
one for James Bodwoin Esq'r 
one for Ezekel Price Esq'r 
one for Joseph Palmer Esq'r 
Then Benjamin White Esq'r was chosen Moderator and the 
Business of the Town was Transacted as follows Viz. 

Mr. John Goddard Mr. Isaac Child and Col. Thomas Aspinwall, 
who were chosen the 5th of March to Consider how much the 
Town ought to allow the Rev'd Mr. Jackson for the present year 
Report as follows Viz. 

That he be paid his Sallery in the same way and manner that 
he was paid last Year and that he be allowed Sufficient to pay his 
House Rent for the last Year. 

Voted to accept the Report of the above Committee in Regard 
to Mr. Jacksons Sallery for the present year 

Voted that Capt William Campbell Deacon Elisha Gardner 
and Mr. Samuel Croft be a Committee to Set the prices on the 
articles on which Mr. Jacksons Sailer}- is to be Raised and Report 
to the Town Treasurer once a Month 

Voted that the Sum of twenty four Hundred and twelve pounds 
which was Received back of the first Beef Tax be appropriated to 
the purpose of Supporting a Congregational Minister in this Town 
Voted that this Town will not allow and pay the Accounts for 
Supplies to this Towns Compan}^ of Melitia at the time of the 
allarm in April 1775, then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



' 312 

Friday 3Iay 18th 1781 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of Electing some Person to Represent Sd Town in the 
General Court appointed to be Convened and held at the State 
House in Boston upon the last Wednesday in Ma}- — the Select Men 
being Moderators, 

The Inhabitants brough in their Votes for a RepresentatiA'e, and 
upon counting the same it appeard that Benj'n White Esq'r was 
Unanimoush' chosen, 

Then Benj'n White Esq'r was Chosen Moderator 

Voted that Dea'n Elisha Gardner, Mr. Joshua Bo^'lston, Mr. 
John Goddard, Mr. Samuel Croft and Col. Aspinwall, be a Com- 
mittee to consider what method is best for the Town to Take in 
Regard to providing a House for the Rev'd Joseph Jackson, and 
Report their opinion thereon, at the adjournment of this meeting 

Voted not to Continue the grammar School Through the Sum- 
mer Season — Voted to Reconsider the Vote Respecting a School 
and that the grammer School be continued through the Summer 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd till Thursday- next at five 
o Clock afternoon in this place 

Tliursday May 24:th 1781 at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town of Brookline by adjournment from Frida^^ May 18th 
1781. Esq'r White Moderator 

The Committee appointed to Consider what method is best for 
the Town to take, to Provide a house for Mr. Jackson, Report 
their opinion, that it is best to Refer the matter at present by 
Reason of the unsettled State of Our Currency 

Voted to accept the Report of Said Committee 

Voted that the Vote pas'd to keep a Grammar School Through 
the Summer be Reconsidered, and that two Women Schools be 
kept — Voted that the Collector Receive the Tax last assessed in 
Old Money till the first day of July next, and not after that time, 
then the Meeting was Dissolved. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



313 

Thursday May 'ilst 1781, 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline — 
Benj'n White Esq'r was chosen Moderator 

Voted to Purchase a piece of land and Build a Ministerial 
House thereon 

Voted that the Sum of two Hundred pounds in Silver Money be 
Raised for the purpose of Purchasing a Piece of land and Building 
a Congregational Ministerial House thereon to be paid in Paper 
Mone}', Labour, Meterals, or any other Articles, Equal to Silver 
Money, in the Judgment of a Committee hereafter to be chosen 
for the purpose of Purchasing Said Land and Building Said 
House 

Voted that Mr. John Goddard, Doct'r Wm. Aspinwall, Mr. 
Daniel White, Mr. Moses White, and Mr. Samuel Clark be a 
Committee for the purpose of Purchisiug Said House Splot & 
Building Said House 

Voted that tlie Town Treasurer be Directed to give his Security 
in behalf of the Town, for any further Sum of Mone}^ Necessary 
for accomplishing Said Ministerial House, or paying for the House 
plot, when Requested b}^ the Committee above Sd. 

and that Sd Committee be impowered to Draw on the Town 
Treasurer for Such Sum or Sums of Money as Shall be necessar}^ 
for the same purpose — that any Person who shall advance any Sum 
of Money towards Building Said House, Shall Receive Six pr cent 
pr annum for the Same, until Repaid or Discounted in Taxes 
Rais'd to Defray the Charge of Building Sd House, and all Such 
Money so advanced Shall be Exempt from paying SiXiy Taxes and 
those who Labour or provide Meterials Shall Receive the Same 
allowance 

Voted that Said House bee two Story High uprite, not Exceed- 
ing Eleven Hundred Square feet on the ground. 

Voted that the Committee do not purchase more than one Acre 
of Land for said House Spot, 



314 

Voted that Said Committee be Directed to account with the 
Town from time to time as the Town shall se fitt 
Then the Meeting was Dissolved, 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

June 18th 1781 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Deac'n Elisha Gardner Chosen Moderator 

Voted that this Meeting, be adjournd til Wednesday next at five 
a Clock in the afternoon in this place 

Then the Meeting was adjournd accordingly 

June 20th at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of 
Brookline by adjournment from the 18th Inst 
Deac'n Elisha Gardner Moderator 
Voted that this Meeting be Dissolved 
Then the Meeting was Dissolved accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

June 2Qth 1781; 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warnd and assembled according to Law — at the Meeting House 

Mr. John Goddard Chosen Moderator 

Voted that the Sum of Six Hundred Silver Dollars be Assessed 
on Polls, Real and Personal Estates, of the Inhabitants of this 
Town, and Non resident Possessors, for the purpose of Purchesing 
this Towns Quota of Beef for the Continental army, agreeable to a 
Resolve of the General Court of the 2 2d Inst 

Voted that Mr. Moses "White, Mr. John Coburn, and Mr. Eben- 
ez'r Davis be a Committee to purches Said Beef 

Voted that the above Said Sum of Six Hundred Hard Dollars 
be paid in Six, Monthly payments Viz. the first paj'ment to be 
made on or before the . first Day of Jul}^ next and the other pay- 
ments to be made on the first day of each Succeeding Month until 
the whole Sum is paid 



315 

Voted that the Selectmen be added to the aforesaid Committee 
for the purpose of Setting the Vakie on paper Money that may be 
paid in room of Silver Mone}^ 

Voted that such Persons as do not pay Such Sums of Paper 
Money, as is in the Judgment of the Committee equal to Silver 
Money by the time above mentioned, be held to pa}^ Silver Money 
only 

Voted that this Meeting be Dissolv'd 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

My 3d 1781. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline warnd 
and assembled according to Law, at the Meeting House 

Voted, Esq'r White chosen Moderator 

Voted that the Town Indemnify and clear the Select Men from 
all charge that may arise by Reason of their not proceeding to 
Draught a Man out of each Delinquent Class, agreeable to order 
of Court of the 16th June last. 

Voted that all charges that have arisen or may arise in procur- 
ing this Towns Quota of Men to serve in the Continental Army 
for three years, be Assessed on the Town in the same manner 
other Town Charges are assessed, provided the Delinquent Classes 
procure their Deficient Men by the thirteenth Da}' of July Current. 

Then the Meeting was Dissolv'd 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

July llthllSl. 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
— Doct'r William Aspinwall chosen Moderator, 

Voted that Mr. Ebenez'r Davis Collector be directed to Com- 
pleat the Collection of the Tax of Twenty five Thousand pounds 
Old Currenc}', and pay the Same to the Town Treasurer, — and 
that the Treasurer keep the Same until the further oi'ders of the 
Town, 



316 

Voted that the Sum of five Hundred pounds in Specie be 
Assessed on Polls, Real and Personal Estates of the Inhabitants 
of this Town and Non resident Possessors, for the purpose of 
Defraying the necessary Charges of the Town 

Voted that the Inhabitants of the Town be Classed in Eight 
Classes in order to procure Eight Men to go to Rhode Island and 
West point that Each Class be oblig'd to procure one Man and 
pay him, each one in proportion as shall be determined by the 
Assessors, and that the Assessors be directed to Assess each Class 
such a Sum to pay said Man as the Majority of the Class shall 
Desire — and that one Class be not allowed to hire a man out of 
any other Class before the twenty second Instant, unless Said 
Class has Procured a man, and if it shall hereafter appear that 
any one or more Classes, do not procure a Man and thereb}'^ Incur 
a Penalty, that Said Class shall be excus'd from pajdng more than 
the highest price given for any of the Men, if they make it appear 
to the Sattisfaction of the Town that they have Collected their 
Money in proper Season, and taken Suitable pains to procure Said 
Man, and whatever Class shall first procure a Man to go to Rhode 
island and Inform Benj'n White Esq'r thereof, shall have the bene- 
fit of Said man for their Class 

Voted that a Record be made in the Town Books of Such Farms 
as have been Measured agreeable to a Vote of the Town passed 
June 5th 1780 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Shairp Town Clerk 

March 21th 1782, 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Warnd and Assembled according to Law — the Hon'el Benj'n 
White Esq'r chosen Moderator 

Select: Men Hon'el Benj'n White Esq'r Mr. John Goddard, 
and Capt'n Wm. Campbell were chosen Select : Men 

Assessors the Select-men chosen Assessors and Sworn 



317 

Fence Viewers, Mr. "Wra. Ackers and Mr. Moses White chosen 
Fence Viewers. 

Mr. Eleaz'r Baker chosen dark of the Market 

Mr. Elhanan Winchester chosen Sealer of Leather, 

Mr. Daniel Child Surve^^or of Wood and Boards, 

Field Drivers Mr. Thaddeus Jackson, and Mr. Caleb Gardner 
Field Drivers 

Wardens, Deacon Elisha Gardner, and Mr. Samuel Griggs 
Wardens 

Mr. Thaddeus Hide & Mr. Nath'el Griggs chosen Hogreaves 

Voted to pa}' the Sum of Money due from this Town to Mr. 
Samuel Croft, on Bond, according to the Value thereof in hard 
Mone}^ at the several times it was Rec'd agreeable to the Scale of 
Depreciation 

Voted that the Sum of fifty Pounds be raised by a Tax on Polls, 
Real and Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town and on 
Non-resident Possessors, for the Purpose of Repairing the High- 
ways in this Town, the Present year 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd til two o clock this after- 
noon in this Place, the Inhabitants being meet 

Voted that the Vote Pas'd in the forenoon, in Regard to raising 
Fift}' Pounds to repair the highways, be Reconsidered and that in 
Stead thereof the Sum of Seventy Pounds be raised for Said 
Purpose 

Voted that those Persons that did not work out the Sum or 
Sums, Set against their Names in the Highway list : be warnd to 
work out Said Sum or Sums this Present year 

Surveyors of Highwa3^s Capt'n Core}- chosen Surve^^or of the 
Highways for the North District,- Mr. John Heath for the middle 
District, Mr. Caleb Craft for the South District, and Mr. NSth'e! 
Winchester for the New District 

Voted that Mr. Ebenez'r Davis Collector be directed to Return 
the list of the Highway Rate into the Assessors hands. 
41 



318 

Voted to allow and pay Mr. Ebenez'r Davis Collector, three 
pence on the Pound, for his Service as Collector the last year — 
Voted to allow, and Pay Mr. — Mans Account and Mr. Aaron 
Child's Account for Supplies to this Towns Company of Militia, at 
the time of the alarm in April 1775, 

Voted that the Sum of two Hundred pounds be Raised by a Tax 
on Polls Real and Personal Estates, of the Inhabitants of this 
Town, and on Non resident Possessors, for the purpose of Build- 
ing this Towns Ministerial House 

Voted that the Town hire Mr. Samuel Craft's House for one 
year for the Rev'd Joseph Jackson 

Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to agree with Mr. 
Craft for his House for one year for the Rev'd Mr. Jackson 

Inspectors of accounts Voted, that Wm. Hyslop Esq'r Mr. 
Caleb Craft, and Capt. Cook, be a Committee to View the Town 
Treasurers Accounts, and the Committees accounts for Purchasing 
Beef, and Report at next May Meeting 

Constable & Collector of Taxes Voted, to hire a Constable 
and Collector of Taxes for the Ensuing year, — Mr. Daniel White 
offers to serve the Town as Constable and C-ollector of Taxes for 
the year Ensuing for Six pence on the Pound on all Taxes he shall 
Collect 

the Town accept his offer and Choose him for their Constable 
and Collector for the 3'ear Ensuing — Sworn 

Doct'r Wm. Aspinwall Chosen Town Treasurer 

Stephen Sharp Chosen Town Clark 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday A2nil \d 1782 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the Purpose of choosing a Governor, and Lieutenant Governor, for 
the Common wealth of Massachusetts, and Six Persons to officiate 



319 

as Counsellors or Sennetors for the District of Suffolk, — the In- 
habitants brought in their Votes as follows, Viz, 

For a Governor. 

Twelve Votes for his Excellenc}- John Hancock Esq'r 
Two for James Bodwoin Esq'r 

For a Lieutenant Governor, 

Fourteen Votes for his Hon'r Thomas Gushing Esq'r 

For Persons to be Counsellors or Senators 
Eleaven for Samuel Addams Esq'r 
Eleaven for John Pitts Esq'r 
Teen for Jabes Fisher Esq'r 
Teen for Jeremia Powel Esq'r 
Teen for Benj'm White Esq'r 
Nine for Increase Sumner Esq'r 
Seven for James Bodwoin Esq'r 
Two for Richard Cranch Esq'r 
Two for Ezekiel Price Esq'r 
Two for Charles Cushing Esq'r 
. Two for Colon Tufts Esq'r 
One for Jonathan Medcalf Esq'r 
One for Brigadier Lovell, 
One for John Addams Esq'r 
One for John Lowell Esq'r 
Then the Hon. Benj'm White Esq'r was Chosen Moderator 
Mr. Samuel Clark, was Chosen Surveyor of the Highways for 
the North District in Room of Capt'u Timothy Corey who Declind 
Serving 

Stephen Sharp was Chosen Town Treasurer for the Ensuing 
year, in Room of Doct'r Wm. Aspinwall who declind Serv. 
Voted that this Meeting be adjournd without Da}^ 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



320 

Mmj nth 1782. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warnd and Assembled according to law 

The Select men being Moderators 

upon the Question, whether the Inhabitants, will choose some 
suitable Person to Represent them in a Great and general Court 
or assembly to be convened at Boston, on the 29th Inst. 

Voted in the Negative, — then Benj'n White Esq'r was chosen 
Moderator, — The Committee appointed the last March Meeting 
to View the Town Treasurers accounts, and the accounts of the 
Committee for Purchasing Beef, Report thej- have not been able 
to go through with the Examination of Sd accounts, 

Voted that Mr. E. Kitchen Wolcott be added to the Committee 
Chosen the 21st March Last, for the Purpose of Examining Sd 
accounts 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd til next Tuesday Sennet 
at four a Clock in the afternoon 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Tuesday June 11th 1782. 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Mr. John Goddard chosen Moderator 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned til next Monday at seven 
a Clock in the Morning in this Place, — and was adjourned accord- 
ingly. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday June 17th 1782. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants b}' adjournment from the 11th 
Instant — Mr. John Goddard Moderator 

Voted that Mr. E. Kitchen Wolcott, Mr. Joshua Boylston, and 
Mr. Robert Sharp be a Committee to make a further inquiry into 
the accounts of the Committee for Purchasing Beef for the Army 
for the year 1781, and Report there on at the next Town Meeting 



321 

Voted that a sum not Exceeding one Hundred Pounds be 
Assessed, in a Separate List from other Taxes, for the Purpose of 
paying the Rev'd Joseph Jackson his Stated Sallary for the cur- 
rent year, and the Surpkis if any bee, to be paid into the Town 
Treasury, 

Voted that the Sum of four Hundred Pounds be Raised by a 
Tax on Polls, Real and Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of this 
Town, and on Non resident Possessors, for the Purpose of Dis- 
charging past Debts, and Defraying the Necessary charges of the 
Town the Current year 

Voted that the Town Treasurer be Directed to give new Obliga- 
tions in behalf of the Town, to Such Persons as the Town is In- 
debted to, agreeable to the Scale of Depreciation 

Voted that the article in the Warrant, in Regard to Mr. Jack- 
sons House Rent for the last year, be Referd to the next Town 
Meeting 

Voted that Mr. John Goddard, Mr. Isaac Child and Hon. Benj'm 
White Esq'r be a Committee to make an Inquiry in Regard to a 
Piece of Land, Said to belong to this Town, which was fenced in 
by the late Henry Sewall Esq'r $ 

Then the Meeting was adjournd without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday July 8th 1782, 

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of 
the Town of Brookline, — Hon. Benj'm White Esq'r Moderator, 

The Vote being put, to see if the Town will take any other 
Method, to raise five Meen to Serve three years in the Continental 
Army, besides Classing the Inhabitants as Directed by a Res'lv 
of the General Court of the 1st Day of March last 

Voted in the Negative 

Then the Meeting was adjournd without Day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



322 

August 20th 1782, 

At a meeting oC the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline, Deac'n Elisha Gardner, Chosen Moderator 

Voted that Mr. Ebenez'r Davis former Collector be Directed 
forth with to Collect the Tax of two Hundred pounds which was 
Assessed and Committed him to Collect, for the purpose of Build- 
ing the Ministerial House in this Town 

Voted to make some further accommodation to the Ministerial 
House in this Town Viz. a Barn and a Small out House— Voted to 
choose a Committee to Direct the Committee for Building the 
Ministerial House, where, how large, and in what manner Said 
Barn and out House Shall be Built. 

Col. Aspinwall, Mr. Eleaz'r Baker, and Mr. Ebenez'r Davis 
were Chosen to serve on Said Committee 

Voted that, Capt'n William Campbell be added to the Committee 
for Examining the Towns accounts in Room of William H^^slop 
Esq'r 

Voted that Doct'r Aspinwall, former Treasurer, be Directed to 
Deliver the Book, Papers, and Money, belonging to the Town, to 
Stephen Sharp Present Treasurer 

Then the Meeting was adjournd without Day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Sept'r 26ih 1782 
at a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline Hon'ble Benj'n White Esq'r Chosen Moderator. 
Voted to hire five Men now called for to go to Nantasket, — Voted 
that Mr. Nath'el Winchester Deac'n Gardner and Mr. Daniel 
White, be a committee to hire Said men on the most reasonabe 
terms the^' can, and that the Town relieve said Men in six weeks 
from the time of Inlistment, if they desire it, — Voted to Indemnify 
the Selectmen from all charges that may arise by reason of their 
not proceeding to draught said men agreeable to the Melitia Law 



323 

Voted that Mr. Daniel White make Report to the Selectmen 
next Saturday at four a Clock in the afternoon, at Mr. Dana's 
Then the Meeting was adjonrnd without Day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline Monday March 3d 1783, 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of said Town, at the Meeting 
House warnd and Assembled according to Law, Mr. John Goddard 
being Chosen Moderator, the Town proceeded to the choice of the 
following persons to serve the Town the year Ensuing 

Voted to choose three Selectmen to Serve the Town the j-ear 
Ensuing — Mr. Caleb Croft, Mr. Moses White and Stephen Sharp 
were chosen Selectmen, Declind Serving 

The forenoon being Spent, it was moved and Voted to adjourn 
this meeting till two o'Clock this afternoon in this Place — When 
being meet, Mr. John Goddard being Moderator 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall, Mr. John Heath, and Mr. Sam'el Croft 
were chosen Selectmen, who Declind Serving 

then Capt'n Corey, and Mr. Jonathan Dana, were chosen Select- 
men, and Likewise Declind Serving, 

the Day being Spent it was moved and Voted to adjourn this 
Meeting til next Thursday at nine o clock in the Morning, in this 
place, and was adjournd accordingly 

TJiursday 3Iarc7i Gth 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants at the Meeting House by ad- 
journment from monday the 3d current 

Mr. John Goddard being Moderator 

Only Seven of the Inhabitants being meet, it was moved and 
Voted to adjourn the meeting til two o Clock in the afternoon in 
this place, and was adjournd accordingly 

when being meet according to adjournment 

Voted to choose assessors Separate from the Selectmen 



324 

Selectmen Mr. Caleb Craft, was chosen a Selectman 

Mr. Moses White, was chosen a Selectman 

Stephen Sharp, was chosen a Selectman 

Town Clerk Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk, & Sworn 

Voted to choose three Assessors for the Ensuing year 

Voted to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes, 

Constable Deac'n Elisha Gardner, otfers to Serve the Town as 
Constable and Collector of Taxes the Ensuing year, for Six pence 
on the pound on all Taxes he shall Collect — the Town accept his 
offer and make choice of him as their Constable and Collector of 
Taxes for the year Ensuing 

Surve^'-ors of Highways Mr. Robert Sharp was chosen Sur- 
veyor of the highway's for the North District 

Mr. Benj'n White was chosen Surveyor for the middle District 

Mr. Daniel Child for the South District 

Mr. Abijah Child for the New District 

Fence Viewers Mr. John Goddard and Col. Thorn's Aspinwall, 
were chosen Fence Viewers 

Mr. Jonathan Dana was chosen dark of the market 

Sealer of Leather Deac'n Elhanan Winchester was, chosen 
Sealer of Leather 

Suv'r of Boards Mr. Daniel Child was chosen Survej-or of 
Boards. 

Field Drivers Mr. Caleb Gardner and Mr. Samuel Griggs were 
chosen Field Drivers 

Hogreaves Mr. Job Weld and Mr. Silas Winchester were 
chosen Hogreaves 

Voted, to choose a Committee to take under consideration what 
further allowance is Reasonable for the Town to make the Rev'd 
Joseph Jackson for the time past 

then Mr. Nehemial Davis, Doct'r Wm. Aspinwall, and Mr. Caleb 
Craft, were chosen a Committee to take Sd matter under Consid- 
eration, and Report thereon at the adjournment of this Meeting 



325 

Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to Ingage a Schoolmaster 
to keep School in the School house in the middle of the Town till 
the first Day of Nov'r Next 

Then it was moved & Voted to adjourn this Meeting til Thurs- 
day the 13th Day of March Current, at two o'clock in the afternoon, 
in this place, and was adjournd accordingly 

Thursday March 13th 1783, 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants at the Meeting House by ad- 
jourment from the Six day of March current 

Mr. John Goddard being Moderator 

the Committee, that was chosen to take under consideration what 
sum is Reasonable for the Town to allow the Rev'd Mr. Jackson for 
the time past, Report as their Opinion that it is proper for the 
Town to allow him the sum of Fifty six pounds thirteen Shillings 
and four pence to defray his Expences to the 2d of February 
1783 

then it was put to Vote to see if it is the minds of the Town to 
allow Mr. Jackson Sd Sum of fifty six pounds thirteen shillings 
and four pence, — Voted in the Affirmative 

Voted that the Sum of Fifty Six pounds thirteen Shillings and 
four pence, which the Town has Voted to allow Mr. Jackson for 
the last year, be added to & Assessed with his stated Sallary for 
the present j'ear, which Sums amount to one Hundred & fifty 
pounds 

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be Raised for the pur- 

,pose of repairing the highwa3's in this Town the Current year, — 

and that Sd Sum of Eighty pounds be Assessed and Collected in 

the same way & manner, that the highway Rate was in the jeav 

1774, Viz 

that the foregoing Sum of Eighty pounds be Assessed by the 

Assessors of Sd Town and put in the Town Rate, and the person 

or persons so assessed shall have a Receit from under the Hands 

of the Surveyor for part or for the whole sum of his Highway Rate 

42 



326 

according as he shall work, and it shall Discount with the Town 
Collector so much of his Town Tax, the Surveyors notif3'ing Said 
Persons as the Law Directs, and and if any Person or Persons 
shall neglect to work out his high way Rate (after being notified as 
aforesaid) then the Surveyors are Directed to work out said delin- 
quents Rates in each of their Districts, and the Surveyors shall 
have Orders on the Town Treasurer for as much Money as they 
shall Expend for Said Delinquenents, — 

Doct'r Aspinwall, Mr. John Heath, and Mr. Sam'el Croft, were 
chosen a Committee to View and Settle the Town & School Treas- 
urer Accounts, 

Voted, to choose a Committee to Assist the Collectors in case 
any person or Persons shall refuse to pay their Proportion of 
Taxes as already assessed, for the purpose of Building the minis- 
terial House in Said Town, — and that the Select men upon ap- 
plication of .Such Committee, be directed to Draw orders on the 
Town Treasurer, for Sufficient Sums of Mone}', to carry on any 
Law suits, that Such a Refusal may Occation — then Mr. John 
Goddard, Doct'r Wm. Aspinwall, and Mr. Moses White were 
chosen a Committee for the above purpose 

Voted that the Select, men be Desired to take proper Care of 
the Town's Stock of Arms, Ammunition and so forth 

Assessors the Selectmen were chosen Assessors, 

Town Treas'r Doct'r Wm. Aspinwall was chosen Town 
Treasurer 

then it was Movd and Voted to adjourn this Meeting til mon- 
day the Seventh Day ot April next, at two o'Clock in the after-- 
noon in this place, and was adjournd accordingly 

Monday April 1th 1783, 
At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
for the purpose of Choosing a Governor, and Lieut' t Governor, for 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Six persons to Officiate 



327 

as Couusellors or Sennetors for the District of Suffolk. — the 
Inhabitants brought in their Votes Viz. 
For a Governor, 

Nineteen Votes for his Excell'y John Hancock Esq'r 

one for Benjamin Lincoln Esq'r 
For a Lieutenant Governor 

Fifteen for Elbridge Gerry Esq'r 

Two for Caleb Davis Esq'r 

Two for his hon'r Thorn's Cusing Esq'r 
For Sennetors 

Eighteen for Sam'el Addams Esq'r 

Seventeen for Caleb Davis Esq'r 

Seventeen for Jabes Fisher Esq'r 

Fourteen for Jeremia Powel Esq'r 

Twelve for Benj'm White Esq'r 

Eight for Richard Cxanch Esq'r 

Nine for Ebenez'r Wales Esq'r 

Six for John Pitts Esq'r 

Five for Cotton Tufts Esq'r 

One for Thorn's Cushing Esq'r 

One for James Bodoin Esq'r 

One for James Warren Esq'r 

One for Ezekiel Price Esq'r 

BrooUine May IQth 1783. 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
at the Meeting House 

it Being put to Vote to see if the Town wold Send Some person 
to Represent them in the Great and General Court, or Assembly, 
the Insuing year, it was Voted in the affirmative — then the In- 
habitants brought in their Votes and upon counting the same it 
appeared that they had made choice of the Hon. Benj'm White 
Esq'r to Represent them in the General Court the Insuing year 

then Mr. Caleb Craft was chosen moderator 



328 

Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to Repair the Frame 
of the Bell 

Mr. John Goddard Mr. Nehemiah Davis and Mr. Moses White 
were chosen a Ccfmmittee of Correspondence Inspection and Safety 
for the present year 

Voted to abate Mr. Solomon Hill's Poll Tax and Personal 
Estate Tax for the year 1781. 

Voted that the principal and Interest, Due from the Town to the 
School Committee, be added together into one Sum, and that a 
new Bond be given for the Same 

Voted that the article in the Warrant in regard to Raising 
Mone}^ be Refered to some futer Meeting 

Then the Meeting was adjoiirnd without Day 

Augicst 22d 1783 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, 
— Mr. Caleb Craft was chosen Moderator 

Voted That the Town Treasurer be Directed to Settle with the 
Rev'd Joseph Jackson & pay him all that shall be due to him from 
the Town by the twentieth Day of Sept'r next — Voted, that the 
article in the Warrant in regard to choosing a committee to Peti- 
tion to the General court for abatement of Taxes be Refered to 
the next Town Meeting 

Then the meeting was adjournd without Day 

Brookline Thursday Sept'r 18 th 1783, 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 

Mr. Caleb Craft being Chosen Moderator 

Voted, that the article in the warrant in regard to Raising 
Money be refered to the next Town Meeting 

Voted, not to do any thing in regard to Capt'n Thom's White 
and his Estate 

Voted, to choose a committee to Petition to the General Court 
at their next Session for abatement of this Towns Taxes, 



329 

Then Doct'r "William Aspinwall, Mr. John Goddard, and Col. 
Thomas Aspinwall were chosen a Committee for that purpose 

Voted, that the sum of Mone}^ that is due from this Town to 
the Heirs of the late IVIr. Thomas Griggs, be Raised by a Tax, 
Collected and paid into the Treasury by the first of Dec'r next 

Then the meeting was Dissolvd 

Monday Nov' r 2Uh 1783. 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line, Capt'n Will'm Campbell was chosen Moderator 

Voted, that one School be kept in the Town through the Insuing 
Winter — after some debate it was, — Voted, that the Vote passed 
in Regard to keeping but one School, be reconsidered, and that in 
stead thereof two schools be kept for the term of four Months 

Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed, and he is hereby 
Directed to call upon the Collectors for a Settlement of all the 
outstanding Taxes by ye last Day of Janu'y next 

Voted, not to Raise any Mone}^ for the Use of ye Town, 

after some debate it was Voted, to recpnsider the above Vote in 
regard to not Raising any Money 

Then it was Voted, that the Assessors be directed, and they are 
hereb}" directed to Assess the Sum of two Hundred pounds on 
Polls, Real and Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, 
and on Nonresident Possessors, for the purpose of paying Mr. John 
Goddard a Sum of mone}- lent by him to the Town, in 1777, the 
Overplus to be paid into ye Town Treasury for the Use of the Town 

Then the meeting was Dissolved 

I do hereby certifie that I have Surveyed and measured the 
Town of Brookline in the month of May last, according to my best 
skill and Judgment, Mikel Medcalf and Caleb Aspinwall being 
Chain Men, and that the Said Town Contains Four Thousand four 
hundred and Sixteen Acres in the whole 

Jonathan Kingsbery Ju'r Surveyor 

Needham, January 15. 1781, 



330 

Suffolk Sc'c Needham, Jan^ry 15th 1781 
Then Mr. Jonathan Kingsbury Surve3^or Appeared and made 
Oath to the Truth of the above Certificate by him Subscribed, 
before me . Josiah Newall Justice of Peace 

Needham, Jan''ry 15. 1781. 
Then Mr. Micheal Metcalf appeared and made Oath, that in the 
Month of Ma3^ last he assisted as a chainman to Measure the Town 
of Brookline and that he performed the Duty Honestly and Impar- 
tially according to his best Skill and Judgment 

Josiah Newall Justice of Peace 
A true Copy Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

r do hereby Certify "that I have measured & Surveyed Doct'r 

"William Aspinwalls Farm lying in Brookline According to my 

best Skill and Judgment, John Newland, Thomas White, Sam'el 

Fuller & Wm. Darrell being Chainmen & that Said Farm Contains 

Fifty Eight Acres one Quarter and Eight Rods, 

Jona. Kiugsbery Surveyor 
Needham Jan'ry 3 1781, 

Suffolk sc'c Brookline March 5. 1780. 
Then Mess's John Newland, Thomas White, Samuel Fuller, & 
William Darrell, appear'd and made Oath that in the Month of 
September last, they Each of them Assisted as chain Men, to 
Measure Doct'r William Aspinwall's Farm In the Town of Brook- 
line, and that they Performd the Duty Honestly, & Impartially 
according to their best Skill and Judgment, before Me 

B. White J. Pacis 
a true Cop}^ Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Sir your Piece of Meadow Contains One Acre & Nineteen Roods 
From your Friend & Humble Serv't Jona, Kingsburry 
Brookline May Ibih 1782 
To Doct'r Aspinwall 



331 

Three Rods were afterwards Added which makes in the whole 
One Acre & twenty two Rods 

William Aspinwall 
a true Copy Attest, Stephen Sharp, Town Glerk 

N. B. the above peice of Meadow was Bought by Doct'r 
Aspinwall of Mr. Robert Sharp 

This Certif3'eth that I have Surveyed in the Town of Brookline 
in the year 1780 the Farm of Mr. Ebenezer Davis lying Near his 
House according to my best Skill & Judgment & Said Farm Con- 
tains Fifty four Acres. 

pr. Jona. Kingsbury Survej'or 
A True Cop}' Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

This Certifyeth that I have Svn-vey'd in the Town of Brookline 
in the year 1780 The Farm of the Widow Sarah Davis according to 
my best Skill & Judgment, And vSaid Farm Contains Forty Six 
Acres one Quarter and Seven Rods 

pr. Jona. Kingsbury Jun'r Surveyor 
A true Copy attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

This Certifyeth that I have Surve5'^'d in the Town of Brookline, 

in the Month of April 1781 the Farm of Deac'n Elisha Gardner, 

•according to my best Skill & Judgment Sam'el Clark & Benja. 

Gardner were Chainmen And Said Farm Contains Fifty four 

Acres, One Quarter & twelve Rods Exclusive of Roads 

Jona. Kingsbury Jun'r Surveyor 

Brookline Feb 2d 1784 Mr. Samuel Clark & Mr. Benja. 
Gardner, appeared befoi-e me and made Oath that they Assisted 
as Chainmen in Measuring Deac'n Elisha Gardners Farm, and 
that they performd Sd Duty Honestly and Impartially — S : 
Sharp Town Clerk 

A true Copy Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



332 

The following Entry was Copied from a plan of Mr. Isaac 
Sparhawk Gardners Farm Viz. The plan of Isaac Gardners Farm 
lying in Brookline Except the part A which lyeth in Cambridge,, 
the whole Contains One Hundred & Five Acres & Six Rods, 3 
Acres 2 Q'rs «fe 37 Rods lyeth in the Part A. 48 Acres 3 Q'rs & 17 
Rods in part B, 44 Acres 3 Q'rs 27 Rods in part C, 7 Acres 2 
Quarters and 5 Rods in part D, 

Survey'd March 23d 1782, and laid down by a Scale of Four 
Chains or 16 Rods to an Inch 

Errors Excepted, Jonathan Kingsbury Jun'r Surveyor 

A true copy Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

N. B. Since the above mentioned farm was surve3'ed thare has 
been Sold of to Doct'r Aspinwall 7 Acres 2 Qrs & 5. Rods, Sold to 
Moses White 18 Acres 1 Qr 15 Rods A. Q. R. 

Rem'r 75, 1 29 

The following is the number of acres which Mr. John Heath's 

Farm contains Viz, the home place Forty one acres and thirty Six 

Rods, the Swamp Eighteen Acres two Quarters and five Rods, 

Gardner pasture Fifty nine Acres three Quarters and four Rods, 

Mayson Lot twenty three Acres three Quarters and thirty three 

Rods. Hammonds Meadow three acres and twent}^ eight Rods, 

Sawmill Woodlot Eight acres One Quarter and thirt}^ one Rod. 

Sawmill Meadow Lot Five acres two Quarters and Thirty Eight 

Rods, Salt Marsh Eleaven Acres three Quarters and Eighteen 

Rods 

A. q R. 

The whole contains 175.. 2.. 33. 

N. B. The above Entry was taken from the Deeds. 

Monday March 8tk, 1784, Annual Town Meeting 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Warned and Assembled According to Law 

Capt'n William Campbell was Chosen Moderator 



333 

Voted, to choose three Selectmen to Serve the Town ye Insuing 
Year 

Select. Men Then Mr. Caleb, Craft was chosen First Selectman 
Stephen Sharp was chosen Second Selectman 
Mr. Moses White was chosen Third Selectman 
Town Clerk Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk & Sworn 
Treasurer Doct'r Wm. Aspinwal was chosen Town Treasurer 
Then Voted, to adjourn this Meeting til two a Clock in the 
afternoon in this place 
The Meeting was adjournd accordingly- 
Being meet accordin to Adjournment, 
Capt'n Campbell Moderator 

Assessors — The Selectmen were chosen Assessors, Sworn 
Voted, that the Person that shall be Collector of Taxes Give 
Bondsmen to the Sattisfaction of the Town 

Voted to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes 
Surveyors of highways Mr. Ebenez'r Davis was chosen Sur- 
veyor of the Highways for the North District, Mr. Wm. Ackers 
for the Middle Dist't Mr. Solomon Child for the South Disti-ict — 
and Mr. Joshua Boylston for the New District 

Fence Viewers Col. Aspinwall, & Mr. John Goddard, were 
Chosen Fence Viewers & Sworn 

Mr. Sam'el Clark, Vas chosen Clark of the Market 
Deac'n Elhanan Winchester, chosen Sealer of Leather 
Mr. Daniel Child, chosen Surveyor of Board & Shingles 
Col. Aspinwall, chosen Surve3^or of Wood 

Field Drivers Mr. Silas Winchester, & Mr. Sam'el Winchester 
chosen Field Drivers 

Hogreaves, Mr. Benja. Duck & Mr. Henry Dunster chosen 
Hogreaves 

Mr. John Goddard, Stephen Sharp^ & Mr. Edward Kitchen 
Wolcott were chosen a Committee to Inspect The Towns Accounts 
— Voted, not to abate any of the Inhabitants their proportionable 
part of the Charge toward, maintaining Schools the winter past. 
43 



334 

Voted, that two Schools be kept by Suitable Masters, where 
they ma}- best accommodate Each part of the Town, for the term 
of three Months in the Winter Season, and that a Suitable Master 
be Ingag'd to keep School the Other nine Months in the year in 
the School House in the middle of the Town, and that two Women 
Schools be kept where they will best Accommodate Each part of 
the Town for the Term of three Months in the Summer Season 

Col. Aspinwall, Stephen Sharp, and Mr. Daniel Dana were 
Chosen a Committee, to Determin where the School House in the 
Upper part of the Town Shall stand, and make Report the Next 
Town Meeting 

Then Mr. John Harris, Tars's [3d] Offers to Serve the Town as 
Constable & Collector of Taxes for the Insuing Year, for Ten 
Pence on the* Pound on all Taxes he Shall Collect, 

The Town accept his Offer and choose him for their Constable 
and Collector of Taxes for the Insuing year. & he was Sworn to 
the Faithful Discharge of Said Office & Trust 

Voted that the Article in the Warrant, in regard to the Interest 
of the School Money be refered to the next Town Meeting 

Voted, that the Towns Stock of Powder be Sold, and that the 

Selectmen be Directed and they are hereby Directed to Sell the 

Same 

f 

Monday April 5. 1784. 
at a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
for the Purpose of choosing a Governor & Lieuten't Governor for 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Six Persons to Officiate 
as Counsellors or Sennetors for the District of Suffolk — the 
Inhabitants brought in their Votes Viz. 
For a Governor 

Thirteen Votes for his Excell'y John Hancock Esq'r 

Three for James Sullivan Esq'r 

Two for Benja. Lincoln Esq'r 



335 

For a Lieut' t Governor 

Eight for Benja. Lincoln Esq'r 

Five for James Sullivan Esq'r 

One for his Hon'r Thorn's Gushing Esq'r 
For Sennetors 

Fourteen for Sam' el Addams Esq'r 

Thirteen for Caleb Davis Esq'r 

Nine for John Lowel Esq'r 

Nine for James Sullivan Esq'r 

Eight for Benja. Lincoln Esq'r 

Eight for Sam'el Niles Esq'r 

Five for Benja. White Esq'r 

Three for Jabes Fisher Esq'r 

Three for Jeremia Powel Esq'r 

Three for Jon Pitts Esq'r 

Two for James Boadoin Esq'r 

Two for Ezekiel Price Esq'r 

One for Richard Cranch Esq'r 

BrooJcUne Monday April 5. 1784. 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
— Mr. Caleb Craft was chosen Moderator. 

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be Raised for the Pur- 
pose of Repairing the Highways the Present Year and that said 
Sum be Assessed in the Same way & manner the Sum for Repair- 
ing the Highways was assessed the last Year 

Voted, that the Treasui'er of this Town be Directed and he is 
hereby Directed to Issue his Warrant against the Delinquenent 
Collectors, whencA^er he finds the State of the Town Requires it.. 

Voted, that the Article in the Warrant in Regard to a Pew be 
Refered to the next Town Meeting 

Mr. John Goddard, & Mr. Daniel Dana, w^ere chosen a Com- 
mittee to Meet at the House of Mr. Timothy Gay Inn-holder in 



336 

Dedham on Thursday the 22d of April Inst't at ten a clock in the 
forenoon, agreeable to a letter from the Commttee of the Town of 
Milton to the Selectmen of this Town Dated March 22d 1784. 
then the Meeting was Dissolved 

May \?>th 1784 

at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
"Warn'd & Assembled according to law 

Mr. Caleb Craft was chosen Moderator 

Mr. John Goddard, Mr. Daniel Dana & Mr. Caleb Craft were 
chosen a Committee to Correspond & Meet with Committees from 
any other Towns that are Dissafected with the late Regulations in 
Regard to the Markets in Boston, and to take such methods as in 
their Judgment may be most Effectual to Remove so Great a 
Grievance 

Voted that the School Treasurer be Directed and he is hereby 
Directed to Collect the Interest Due on the School Mone}^, and if 
any person Shall Neglect or refuse to pay the Interest that is Due 
-on their Obligations, after Due Notice Given to put their Obliga- 
tions, in Suit 

Voted, to raise the Sum of three Hundred & fifty Pounds on 
polls, Real and personal Estates, of the Inhabitants of this Town 
and on Non-resident possessors, for the purpose of Defraj'ing the 
necessary charges of the Town the current year and paying back 
Debts. 

Mr. Isaac Child, Mr. "Wm. Ackers, Mr. John Heath, Mr. Dan- 
iel Dana, and Mr. Robert Shai-p were cliosen a Committee to Con- 
sider what allowance is Reasonable for the Town to make the 
Rev'd Joseph Jackson for what he has Expended more than his 
Sallary the last year — and Report their Opinion thereon at the 
next Town Meeting 

Mr. John Goddard, Col. Thom's Aspinwall, and Mr. John Heath 
were chosen a Committee to take under consideration the article 



337 

in the Warrant in Regard to Selling Pews and to report their 
Opinion thereon at the next Town Meeting 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen to Represent this Town in the 
Great, the General Court or Assembly of the Commonwealth the 
Present year 

Then the Meetins: was Dissolved 



Tuesday June 29, 1784 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
— Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen Moderator 

The Committee chosen the 13th May last, to take under consid- 
eration, what, allowance is Reasonable for the Town to make Mr. 
Jackson for what he has been Obliged to Expend more than his 
Sallary the last year, report as follows Viz. 

That a Subscription paper be carried round among the Inhab- 
itants of the Town that such persons as are Disposed to give, may 
have Oppertunity to Subscribe for the above purpose 

The Totvn Accept their report, and make choice of Mr. Isaac 
Child & Mr. Robert Sharp as a Committee for the purpose of 
Carring round Sd paper 

The Committee appointed the 13. May last to take under consid- 
eration whether it would be Expedient to build two Pews in the 
Meeting House, Report as follows Viz. that two Pews may be 
Erected where the Body Seats now are (if applyed for) without 
being any Damage to the Meeting house, & Further Report as 
their Opinion that they ought to be Disposed of to Such persons 
as the Town shall think they in Right belong to, according to 
the usual Costom of the Town, and not at Vendue as has been 
proposed 

It being put to Vote to see if the Town would accept the 

above Report, Voted in the Negative. Then the Meeting was 

Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



338 

Monday Decemh'r 20, 1784. 

At a Meeting of the Inhaljitants of the Town of Brooklhie 
Warud and Assembled according to Law. 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall being chosen Moderator after Some De- 
bate, it was Voted to adjourn the Meeting to the Grammar School 
house Immediately — where being Meet 

Voted, not to allow the Rev'd Mr. Jackson the Sum of twenty 
one pounds twelve Shillings which he Expended more than was 
Granted him b^' the Town for the 3'ear 1782. 

Voted, to allow the Rev'd Mr. Jackson the Sum of Fifty six 
pounds (in full) for what he was Obliged to Expend more than 
his Stated Sallary to Support his Family for the 3'ear 1783, and 
that Such Persons as have Subscribed, and given a Sum for Said 
purpose be allowed the Same, Sd Subscription having not An- 
swered the Designed End, Likewise, that Said Sum of Fifty Six 
pounds be Assessed with his next years Sallary 

Voted that the Sum of six Shillings & eight pence, be added to 
and Assessed with the above Sum of Fifty six pounds 

Voted, to allow the Inhabitants in the South part of the Town 
as far as to Include Mr. Gulliver Winchester, with a proportion- 
able part of the Estates belonging to Non resident possessors, to 
Draw out of the Town Treasury in Futer, their proportionable 
part of the Money that may be granted for use of Schools, and 
Expend the same for schooling as they Shall think most Beneficial 

Voted, that the Vote passed the Eight Da}^ of March last in 
Regard to keeping two Schools for the term of three months in 
the Winter Season be Reconsidered, and in Stead thereof keep but 
one — Voted that Capt'n Core}- be granted Libert}', and he is 
hereby Granted Liberty, to Cut a Window in his Pew at his Own 
Expence Provided he cuts no braces, — and that Mr. Moses Whites 
Window be moved as far as may be, without being carried out of 
his Pew 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



339 

Brookline, Monday March lih 1785. 

at a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline, Warnd and assembled according to Law, 

Deac'n Eliska Gardner was chosen Moderator 

Voted to choose three Selectmen to Serve the Town the Insuing 
year 

Mr. Caleb Croft, Stephen Sharp, and Mr. Moses White were 
chosen Selectmen, and Declined Serving 

Then the Meeting was adjournd til two a Clock in the After- 
noon, — being meet according to adjournment 

Mr. Daniel Dana, Mr. Isaac Gardner, and Mr. Samuel Clark 
were chosen Selectmen and Declind Serving 

Town Treas'r Doct'r Wm. Aspinwall was chosen Town Treas- 
urer 

Voted, to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes. 

Voted, that the Person that may bee Constable and Collect'r.of 
Taxes give Bonds to the Sattisfaction of the Town 

Constab'e Deac'n Elhanan Winchester offers to serve the Town 
as constab'e and Collector of Taxes, for the Insuing year, for nine 
pence halfpenny on the Pound, on all Rates and Taxes he shall 
Collect for the Town 

The Town accept his offer and choose him for their Constable 
and Collector of Taxes for the Insuing year 

Surveyors of Highways Col'n Thomas Aspinwall was chosen 
Surveyor of the Highways for the Lower District 

Mr. John Heath for the Middle District. 

Mr. Gulliver Winchester for the South District. 

Mr. Nath'el Winchester for the New District. 

Fence Viewers, Mr. Robert Sharp & Mr. Jonathan Dana 
chosen Fenceviewers 

Survej'or of Boards, Shin'l & Wood Mr. Eleaz'r Baker was 
chosen Surveyor of Boards & Shing'l 

Field Drivers, Mr. Caleb Gardner & Mr. Samuel Griggs were 
chosen Field drivers 



340 

Hogreaves, Mr. Josiali Jordan & Mr. Jacob Harvey 

Clerk of the Market, Mr. Samuel Claark 

Sealer of Leather, Dea'n Elhanan Winchester 

Mr. John Goddard, Mr. Edward Kitchen Wolcott, and Stephen 
Sharp, were chosen a Committee to Inspect the Town and School 
Treasurers accounts, and Report thereon at next May Meeting 

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be Raised (in the way 
and manner the Highway Rate was made the last year.) for the 
purpose of repairing the Highways the Insuing year 

Mr. Benja. White, Mr. Jonathan Dana : and Mr. Daniel White 
were chosen a Committee to take under Consideration the matter 
in Regard to Selling Spaces or spots to Build Pews on, and Report 
their opinion thereon at the next Town Meeting 

Voted that the Persons who shall Serve as Selectmen the Insu- 
ing year, be directed & they are hereby directed, to Inform thern- 
selves in Regard to Mr. Acker's Rates and if they find (In their 
judgment) he is over Rated in proportion to the Inhabitants in 
general, to make him abatements accordingly 

Then, the Meeting was adjourned to Monday 14th Inst. 

Monday March 14, Only Eight of the Inhabitants being Meet, 
it was moved Voted to Dissolve the Meeting and it was Dissolv'd 
accordingly 

Thursday March SI, 1785 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator 

Voted to choose three Select : men in Room of those that were 
chosen the Seventh Day of March Inst, and Declind Serv'g. 

Voted, to Reconsider the above Vote Respecting choosing three 
Selectmen, and in Stead thereof to choose Five. 

Then. Benjamin White Esq'r Mr. John Goddard, Col. Thomas 
Aspinwall. Mr. Daniel Dana, and Mr. John Heath were chosen 
Selectmen to Serve the Town the Insuing year, — Esq'r White 
And Mr. Heath Declind Serv'g 



341 

Deac'n Elhanan Winchester, who was chosen Constable & Col- 
lector of Taxes the 7th March last Desires the Town would 
Excuse him from Serving in Said Offices 

Voted, to Excuse Deac'n Winchester from Serving as Constable 
and Collector of Taxes the Ensuing year 

Voted that the matter in Regard to choosing a constable and 
Collector of Taxes be Referd til Monday the 4th Day of April next 

Town Clerk Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk. Sworn 
April 4th 

Col. Aspinwall Stephen Sharp and Deac'n Gardner, were chosen 
a Committee to take under consideration the article in the War- 
rant Respecting selling Spaces or Spots to Build Pews on, and 
Report their opinion thereon at the next Town Meeting — Then 
it was moved and Voted to adjourn this Meeting to Monday the 
4th Day of April next, and was adjourned accordingly 

Monday April UU 1785, At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline for the purpose of choosing a Governor, & 
Lieut, Governor, for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and 
Six persons to Officiate as Counsellors or Sennetors for the Dis- 
trict of Suffolk, The Inhabitants brought in their Votes Viz 
For a Governor, — Twenty Votes for James Bowdoin Esq'r 
One for Thomas Gushing Esq'r 
One for Benjamin Lincoln Esq'r 
For a Lieut. Governor — Sixteen for Sam' el Addams Esq'r 
Five for Thomas Cushing Esq'r 
One for Benjamin Lincoln Esq'r 
One for William Heath Esq'r 
For Sennetors— Twenty for William Heath Esq'r 
Seventeen for Cotton Tufts Esq'r 
Seventeen for James Sullivan Esq'r 
Seventeen for Sam'el Allen Otis Esq'r 

Sixteen for Stephen Medcalf Esq'r 
44 



342 

Fifteen for Sam'el Addams Esq'r 
Seven for Thomas Cashing Esq'r 
Three for Jabes Fisher Esq'r 
Three for Richard Cranch Esq'r 
Two for Benjamin Lincoln Esq'r 
Two for John Lowel Esq'r 
Two for Caleb Davis Esq'r 
One for Sam'el Niles Esq'r 
One for Sam'el Dexter Esq'r 
Then Mr. John Goddard being chosen Moderator Mr. Isaac 
Child, Capt'n Timothy Corey, and Mr. Jonathan Dana, were 
chosen a Committee to talce under consideration the article in 
the Warrant Respectiug Mr. Jacksons Sallary, and report their 
Opinion thereon at the next Town Meeting. 

Mr. Isaac Gardner, and Mr. Ebenez'r Davis were chosen 
Selectmen in Room of Benja. White Esq'r and Mr. John Heath 
who were chosen the 31st of March last and Declind Serving 

Mr. John Harris, Tartius, [3d] otiers to Serve the Town as Con- 
stable and Collector of Taxes for the Ensuing Year for ten pence 
on the Pound on all Rates and Taxes he shall Collect for the 
Town, — the Town accept his Otfer and choose him for their Con- 
stiible and Collector of Taxes for the Ensuing 3'ear 

Voted to sell the whole of the Bodie Seats in the Meeting house 
for pew Spots, and that Sd Seats be Sold at Vendue to the 
highest Bidder, on next Ma^^ Meeting Da}', Likewis that the 
Constable be Directted, to notifie the Inhabitants of Said Sale 
when he warns them to May Meeting. 

Voted that Joshua Boylston, who was chosen Survej'or of the 
Highways for the New District, for the Last year and has 
Neglected to warn and give the Inhabitants in that District oper- 
tunity to work out then- Respecting Sums Set in the List com- 
mitted unto him, be allowed the term of two months from the 
Date hereof, to compleat Said Business in 
Then the Meeting was Dissolved 



343 

May 12tk 1785 

at a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
the Selectmen being Moderators, 

It was moved & Voted to Elect Some person to Represent this 
Town in the General Court the Insuing year 

the Inliabitants Brought in their Votes and upon Counting the 
Same it appeard that John Goddard Esq'r was chosen To Rep- 
resent this Town in the General Court appointed to be Convend 
and held for the Government's Service at the State House in 
Boston upon the last Wednesdaj' in May 

John Goddard Esq'r Was chosen Moderator 

Voted to Accept the Report of the Committee for Examining 
the Town & School Treasurers accounts, and Sd Committee were 
Directed to Discharge them accordingly. 

The Committee Chosen the 4th March last to take under Con- 
sideration the article in the Warrant Respecting Mr. Jacksons 
Sallar}' Report their Opinion thereon Viz. 

BrooMine May 12. 1785, the Committee appointed to Inspect 
the accounts of the Rev'd Mr. Joseph Jackson, Find that he has 
Expended Thirty Four pounds more than his 3'early Sallary, which 
Sum the}' think he should be allowed for the 3'ear 1784. 

Isaac Child Timothy Corey Jonathan Dana Committee 

Voted to accept the above Report 

Mr. Samuel Clark, INIr. Jonathan Dana, & Mr. Abijah Child 
were Chosen a Committee to Repair the School House in the 
Middle of the Town 

Voted, to Raise the Sum of two Hundred pounds on pools Real 
and Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town and on Non- 
Resident Possessoi's, to Defray the Charges of the Town the Cur- 
rent year 

Voted to Refer the article in the Warrant in Regard to making 
Mr. Jackson an allowance for the Current year 

Mr. Sam'el Croft was chosen to Serve on the School Committee 
in Room of Mr. Nehemiah Davis Deceas'd 



344 

Voted that the Selectmen be directed, and ihej are hereby 
Directed to porceed with the Collectors of Sd Town according to a 
Vote passd at Town Meeting June 5th 1780, and if the Collectors 
cannot make it appear that they are unable to collect their Taxes, 
that they then Direct the Treasurer, to Issue his Warrant against 
Such Collectors. 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Broohline August 8lh 1785 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook] ine at 
the Meeting house warnd and Assembled according to Law 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator 

Voted, to paint the lower part of the Steple and the Window 
Frames of the Meeting house 

Voted, that the abatement of the Fine which the Town was 
Fineed for not sending a Kepresentative the Year 1783, be applied 
for the above purpose, and paying for the Bell wheel 

then the Meeting was Dissolved. 

August 25th 1785. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Warnd and Assembled according to Law 

Mr. John C^oddard was chosen Moderator 

Voted, to hire a collector of Taxes in room of Daniel White, to 
compleat the Collection of the Taxes, committed to him to collect 
for the year 1782 

Voted, to refer the matter in regard to hiring a Collector of 
Taxes in room of Daniel White 

Voted, to choose a Committee to Inquire of Daniel White and 
get what light they can in order for a Settlement between him and 
the Town. 

Then Mr. John Goddard, Stephen Sharp & Mr. Daniel Dana 
were chosen a Committee for the above purpose. 



345 

Voted, that Said Committee be Impowered, and they be hereby 
Irapowered to indemnify said White from an}^ Damage that may 
befall him on this Towns account by reason of his attendance on 
Said Committee 

Mr. Edward Kitchen Wolcott, and Mr. Ebenez'r Daids were 
chosen a Committee to go to Such persons as are not Discharged 
in Sd White's Rate Lists, and to take Copies of the Receipts that 
he has given for Taxes 

Voted, to refer the article in the Warrant in Regard to Raising 
Money to mal^e up the Deficiency of Daniel White's Collections til 
the adjournment of this Meeting 

Voted that the article in the warrant in regard to giving the 
Town Treasurer Directions, in Regard to Settling an old paper 
money Rate with Mr. Ebenezer Davis Collector for the year 1781, 
be referred to the adjournment of this meeting 

Then it was Voted, to adjourn this Meeting til next monday 
Fortnit in this Place, and was adjournd accordingly 

Srptember \2th 

The Inhabitants being meet according to adjournment 

Voted, to hire a Collector to Compleat the Collection of the 
Taxes that were Committed to Daniel White a defective Collector 
for the year 1782 

Samuel Clark offers to collect the Taxes aflore mentioned for 
three shillings on the pound, the Town accept his offer and choose 
him accordingly 

Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to Discharge Such 
persons (as Shall make it appear to their Satisfaction) as paid 
their Taxes to Daniel White and have no. Receipts there for — 
Then Doct'r Aspinwall, Mr. John Goddard, and Mr. Daniel Dana, 
were chosen a Committee to Settle with Daniel White in such a 
manner as in their Judgment Shall be most advantageous to the 
Town 



346 

Voted not to collect the Old paper money Rate that was com- 
mitt to Ebenez'r Davis Collector, for 1781 in hard Mone}' Then 
the Meeting was Dissolve 'd 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

October 31 si 1785. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline at 
the House of Mr. Daniel White Warn'd and Assembled according 
to Law 

Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen Moderator 

Voted, that the Towns Committee Viz, Mr. John Goddard, Doct'r 
Wm. Aspinwall & Mr. Daniel Dana, be Directed to Level the 
Execution on the Remainder of Daniel White's Estate, and that 
they be impowered to Deliver as much of Said Estate into the 
hands of Mr. Isaac Child, (or such other Person as the}' shall 
think Suitable) for the Use of Sd White's Wife as they Shall think 
proper, and that Sd White's Estates be Credited accordingly 

Voted, that the Selectmen be impowered to Sell and give a War- 
rantee Deed of the Real Estate that belonged to Daniel White, — 
and that Said Estate be sold at public Vendue on Monday the 
14th Day of Nov'r next at this place if not sold before at private 
Sale 

Voted, to abate Mr. Solomon Hills Ministerial house Tax, per- 
sonal Estate Tax and poll Tax up to this present 3'ear 

Voted, to adjourn this Meeting to the 14th Day of Nov'r next 
at nine a clock in the Morning in this place 

Then the Meeting was adjournd accordingly^ 

Attest. Stephen Sharp. Town Clerk 

Nov'r Uth 1785, 
at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline by 
adjournment from the 31 Da}- of Octo'r last 

Mr. John Goddard, Col. Thomas Aspinwall and Mr. Caleb Craft 



\ 



347 

were chosen a committee, to wait on a Committee that may 
hereafter be chosen, or appointed by the Hon. General Court, for 
the purpose of Viewing this Town, 

Monday Jamuiry oQth 1786. 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warnd and Assembled according to Law 

Mr. John Goddard being chosen Moderator. 

Voted, that the Selectmen take Such measures as they shall 
think Proper, in Regard of the maintenance of Nehemiah Davis, 
Except the Executors of the Last will and Testament of the late 
Mr. Nehemiah Davis Deceas'd Comply with the proposals that 
has been made to them b}" the Selectmen 

Voted, that Doct'r William Aspinwall, Mr. John Goddard and 
Mr. Daniel Dana be a Committee to hire a Sum of Money that 
will be Sufficient to settle with the State and County Treasurers 
with the Money that they have Received by the Sale of Daniel 
White's Real and personel Estate 

The above Entrj^ Copyed from a paper Received from Mr. Eben- 
ez'r Davis one of the Selectmen of this Town 

pr. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

Monday March 6 1786. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline at 
the Meeting house, warnd and Assembled according to Law, the 
following persons were chosen Town officers for the year insuing 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator 

Voted, to choose three Selectmen to serve the Town the Insuing 
year. 

Selectmen Mr. John Goddard was chosen fli'st Selectman 
Declined Serv'g 

Mr. Caleb Craft Chosen a Selectman Declind Serving 

Mr. Isaac Gardner chosen a Selectman Declind Serving 

Mr. Isaac Child, Mr. Daniel Dana and Mr. Ebenez'r Davis 
were chosen Selectmen & Declind Servg 



348 

Voted, to Refei* choosing Selectmen for the present 

Voted to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes. 

Constable Mr. John Goddard offers to serve the Town as Con- 
stable and Collector of Taxes the lusuiug year for one Shilling on 
a pound on all Taxes he Shall collect, 

The Town accept his offer and make choice of him for their 
Constable and Collector of Taxes the Insuing year Sworn 
March 25th 

Surveyors of Highway's Mr. Samuel Croft for the North Dis- 
trict 

Mr. Caleb Gardner for the Middle District 

Mr. Isaac Child for the South District 

Mr. Abijah Child for the New District 

Fence Viewers Mr. Joseph Goddard and Mr. Caleb Craft 

Surve3'or of Boards Shingles & Wood Mr. Eleaz'r Baker. 

Field Drivers Mr. Samuel Griggs & Mr. Ebenezer White 

Hogreaves Mr. Joshua Griggs & Mr. Enoch Corey 

Clark of the market Mr. Eleaz'r Baker 

Sealer of Leather Decon Elhanan Winchester 

Town Treas'r Doct'r William Aspinwall 

Town Clerk Stephen Sharp 

Stephen Sharp Mr. Isaac Gardner and Mr. Daniel Dana were 
chosen a Committee to Inspect the Towns accounts 

Voted, that the article in the Warrant in Regard to Mr. Jackson 
be Refered til Mone}- is Raised to Defray the charges of the Town 

Voted, to Adjourn this Meeting to the Grammar School house 
Immediatel}', where being Meet 

Voted, to abate Primus's Rates for the 3'ears 1784, and 1785, 

Selectmen Then Mr. Isaac Gardner & Mr. Ebenez'r Davis 
were again chosen Selectmen Mr. John Goddard was again chosen 
a Selectman 

Then the Meeting was Dissolv'd 

Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



349 

Monday April 3*^ 1786. 
at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of choosing a Governor, and Lieut. Governor, for the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Six Persons for Counsellors 
or Senetors for the District of Suffolk, the Inhabitants brought in 
their Votes Viz. 

For a Governor, 

Twenty five Votes for his Excellency James Bowdoiu Esq. 
For a Lieut. Governor, 

Twelve Votes for Samuel Addams Esq'r 
Eleaven for Thomas Cushing Esq'r 
For Senators 

Twenty one for Samuel Addams Esq'r 
Twenty two for Wm. Phillips Esq'r 
Twenty for Stephen Medcalf Esq'r 
Twenty one for Wm. Heath Esq'r 
Twenty two for Cotton Tufts Esq'r 
Sixteen for John Lowel Esq'r 
Three for Thomas Cushing Esq'r 
Four for Richard Cranch Esq'r 
Two for Jabes Fisher Esq'r 
One for Caleb Davis Esq'r 
Then Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen Moderator 
Voted, that the money that may hereafter be Raised for the 
purpose of Repairing the Highways, be laid out in the way and 
manner the Money was laid out for repairing the Highways the 
last 3'ear 

Voted that the sum of Eighty Pounds be Raised for the purpose 
of Repairing the Highways the present year 

Voted that the Surveyors of the Highw^ays be Directed and they 
are hereby Directed, not to give credit to any persons for any 
more time than they work 

Voted to allow Mr. Daniel Child four shillings pr. Day for the 
extra work he did at the Highways in the year 1 785 
45 



350 

Voted that the article in the warrant in Regard to Schools be 
Refered to next may meeting 

Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen to Serve as Grand Juror for the 
year, — Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest, Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday. April M 1786 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Register of Deeds, 
and for a Treasurer for the County of Suffolk Viz 

For a Register of Deeds, Sixteen Votes for Joshua Henshaw 
Esq'r 

For a Treasurer, Twenty Seven Votes for Alex'r Hodgdon Esq'r 

Four for Thom's Crafts Esq'r 

May U/i 1786 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Warned and Assembled according to Law 

Voted to Elect Some Person to Represent this Town in the 
General Court the present year 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen to Represent this Town in 
the General Court appointed to be Convened and held for the 
Governments Service, at the State House in Boston on the last 
Wednesda}' in May Inst. Theu»Mr. John Goddard was chosen 
Moderator 

Wm. Aspinwall P^sq'r Mr. Isaac Child and Stephen Sharp were 
chosen a Committee to Consider what allowance the Town Ought 
to make Mr. Jackson for what he has Expended more than his 
Stated Sallary the j-ear past and to Report their Opinion Imme- 
diately 

Said Committee having withdrew ; and Returned Report their 
Opinion, that it is Reasonable that the Town Make Mr. Jackson 
an allowance of twent}' Four pounds for what he has Expended to 
Support his Fammily more than his Stated Sallary the year pas't 

Voted, not to accept the Report of the above Committee 



351 

Voted, tliat the school hi the Middle of the Town bee continued 
through the Summer Season • 

Voted, that a Woman's School be kept at the School house in 
the Lower End of the Town During the Summer Season 

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned til Monda3' the 22d Day 
of this Inst. Ma}' at two a clock in the afternoon 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

N. B. the following Vote was pas'd at the above Meeting of 
Ma}' 4. 1786 and Omitted Entering in Course Viz, Voted, that the 
Town allow and pay the Rev'd Joseph Jackson twenty pounds, for 
what he has Expended more than his Stated Sallary to Support 
his Family the year past. Attest Step'n Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday May 22d 1786 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline by 
adjournment from the 4th Da}' of May Inst. 

Voted to accept the Report of the Towns Committee in Regard 
to the Towns Accounts. Wm. Aspiuwall Esq'r Stephen Sharp 
and Mr. Samuel Croft were chosen to Collect Sort & Count the 
Votes for a Register of Deeds for the County of Suffolk, the writ- 
ten Votes of Such Persons as were Qualified by the Constitution to 
vote pr Representatives having been by the said Wm. Aspiuwall 
Esq'r Stephen Sharp & Mr. Samuel Croft, Collected and Count- 
ed, it appeared that the following Person was Unanimously Voted 
for as a Regester of Deeds for the County of Suffolk and had the 
Number of Votes Set against his Name, Viz. Joshua Henshaw 
Esq'r 22 Votes 

Voted that the Sum of four pounds be added to the allowance of 
twenty pounds, made Mr. Jackson by the Town the 4th Day of 
May Inst, for what he has Expended more than his Stated Sallary 
to Support his Family the year pas'd 

Voted that a Woman's School be kept at the upper End of the 
Town within one hundred Rods of Daniel White's House, for the 



352 

terra of 3 months in the Summer Season, and that Mr. Benjamin 
White be a Committee to provide a place whare said Said School 
Shall be kept. 

Voted that the Sum of thre hundred and Fifty pounds be Raised 
on Polls, Real and Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of this 
Town and on Non resident possessors for the purpose of paying 
the charges of the Town the present year paying Debts & : C. 
then the Meeting was Desolved 

BrookUne Sepfr 21st 1786. 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of 
BrookUne — Mr. Daniel Dana being chosen Moderator 

Misseurs John Goddard, Isaac S. Gardner, & Ebenez'r Davis, 
were chosen a Committee to Sort and Count the Votes for a Reg- 
ister of Deeds for the County of Suffolk, the Written Votes of 
Such persons as are qualified b}' the Constitution to Vote for a 
Representative ; having been by the Sd Miseiurs John Goddard, 
Isaac S : Gardner. & Ebenez'r Davis, Collected & Counted it ap- 
peared that the following person was Unanimously Voted for as a 
Register of Deeds for the County of Suffolk, and had the No. of 
Votes Set against his Name. Viz. Joshua Henshaw Esq'r 23 Votes 

Voted not to do any thing iu Regard to School houses 

Voted to Dismiss Mr. John Goddard from Serving as Constable 
and Collector of Taxes 

Mr. Isaac S. Gardner offers to Serve the Town as Constable and 
Collector of Taxes iu Room of Mr. John Goddard for nine pence 
on the pound for all the Taxes he Shall Collect, — the Town ac- 
cept his offer, and he was chosen accordingly then the Meeting 

was Desolv'd 

Attest Step'n Sharp Town Clerk 

JSfov'r dOth 1786 
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warnd and Assembled according to Law 
Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen moderator 



353 

Voted, that Wm. Aspinwall Esq'r Town Treasurer he Directed 
and he is hereby Directed to Issue his Execution against Consta- 
ble Harris by the first Day of January next, for all the Taxes that 
Remain in Said Harris's hands and are paA'able to Said Treasurer, 
if the Sd Harris Does not pay in the one half Sd Taxes by the 
20th Day of Dec'r next and in Case he Does pay the one half sd 
Taxes by the Sd 20. Day of Dec'r next then the Treas'r is Directed 
to allow him a Further term of time to the 15. of January next for 
the Compleating and making up his accounts with Said Treasurer 

Voted that the Town Treasurer be Directed and is hereby Di- 
rected, to hire the Sura of thirty pounds to pay Mr. Jackson in 
part to Answer his present Necessaties 

Then the Meeting was Desolved 

Attest Step'n Sharp Town Clerk. 

Fryday January 12. 1787 

At a legal meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants 
of the Town of Brookline, Capt'n Moses White chosen Moderator 

Capt'n Moses White. Lieut. Sam'll Croft, and Col. Tliom's 
Aspinwall were chosen a Committee to hire Eleaven men to serve 
as Soldiqrs for this Town, and to Remain in Publick Service 30. 
Da3's from the 23d Inst, — upon the most Reasonable terms they 
can — Mr. John Heath Mr. Nath. Winchester and Mr. Benja. White 
were Chosen a Committee to hire a Sum of money in behalf of the 
town for the purpose of hiring Sd Men — then then this meeting 
was adjournd to Tuesday Evening next at Six a Clock at the 
Grammer School house 

January 16^4 1787 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
by adjournment from the 12th Inst Capt. Moses White Moderator 
— Voted that the Committee Viz Mr. John Heath Mr. Nath. Win- 
chester, and mr. Benjamin White, who were chosen a Committee 
the 12th Inst to hire money to Raise Soldiers be impowered & 



354 

the}' be hereb}- impowered, to hire the Sum of Forty pounds for 
Sd Purpose and that the Town Treas'r be Directed to give his Ob- 
ligation in behalf of the Town for Sd Sura. Likewise that Sd 
Sum be Assessed with the next Town Rate — then it was Voted 
that this meeting be adjournd to next Thursday- Evening at Six a 
Clock in this place, and was adjournd accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday March \Wi 1787 
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline at the 

Meeting house, warnd and assembled according to Law 
Mr. John Goddard being chosen moderator 
Then it was moved and Voted, to choose three Selectmen to 

Serve the Town the year ensuing. 

Mr. Isaac S. Gardner & Mr. Eben Davis were chosen Selectmen 

& Declind Serving. 

Mr. Caleb Craft was chosen a Selectman 

Capt'n Moses White was chosen a Selectman 

Step'n Sharp was chosen a Selectman & Declind Serving 

Lieut. Sam Croft was chosen a Selectman 

Voted to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes 

Mr. John Harris, Tartius [3d] Offers to Serve the Town as 

Constable and Collector of Taxes the ensuing year, for Seven 

pence half penny on the pound, on all Rates he Shall Coll't 
Mr. Daniel Dana, Step'n Sharp &, Capt'n Corey, w^ere chosen a 

Committee to Inspect the Town & School Treasurers accounts, 

and make Report of the Debt and Credit of the Town at Aprill 

Meeting 

Wm. Aspinwall Esq'r was chosen Town Treasurer Declind 

Serving 

Step'n Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer & Declind Serving 
Mr. Daniel Dana chosen Town Treasurer & Declined Serv — 
Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen Surveyor of the highwaj^s for the 



355 

North District, Capt. Moses White for the middle District. Mr. 
John Harris, Tartius [3d] for the South District, 

Mr. Joseph Corey for the fourth District 

Mr. Abijah Childs & Mr. Joseph Goddard were chosen Fence 
Vewers. 

Mr. Eleaz'r Baker, Chosen Survej'or of Boards, Shingles and 
Wood 

Mr. Sara Griggs & Mr. Solomon Child chosen Field Drivers 

Mr. Benj'n Davis & Mr. John Core}' chosen Hogreaves 

Mr. Eleaz'r Baker was chosen dark of the market 

Dea'n Elhanan Winchester chosen Sealer of Leather 

Mr. Daniel Dana chosen weigher of Bread 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Town Treasurer Declin'd 
Serving 

Voted, not to make Mr. Jackson an allowance for what he has 
Expended to Support his Family more than his Stated Salary the 
year pass'd 

Voted, that the Town Treasurer be Directed, and he is hereby 
Directed, to pay the Soldiers that went for this Town to the 
Western Expedition, Out of the first moue}- he Receives 

Voted to Refer the article in the warrant in Regard to Schools, 

likewise the Article in Regard to paying Debts to next april 

meeting 

Step'n Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday April 2rZ 1787 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for the 
purpose of choosing a Governor and Lieut. Governor for the Com- 
monwealth of Massachusetts, and Six persons to officiate as Coun- 
sellors for the District of Suffolk, the Inhabitants brought, in their 
votes as follows, viz. 
For a Governor 

Thirty three Votes for ye Hon. John Hancock Esq'r 
Nine Votes for his Excell. James Bowdoin Esq'r 



356 

For a Lieut. Governor 

Twenty two Votes for Wm. Heatli Esq'r 
Nine for Benjamin Lincoln Es(j['r 
Eight for Samuel Addams Esq'r 
Three for Thomas Gushing Esq'r 

For Senators 

Twenty Six Votes for Steph'n Medcalf Esq'r 

Twenty three for Wm. Heath Esq'r 

Twenty one for Ebenez'r Wales Esq'r 

Twenty tw^o for Wm. Phillips Esq'r 

Seventeen for Benjamin Austins Esq'r 

Fifteen for Samuel Addams Esq'r 

Eleaven for Galeb Davis Esq'r 

Eleaven for Gotton Tufts Esq'r 

Eleaven for James Warren Esq'r 

Eleaven for Elijah Dunbar Esq'r 

Ten for Doct'r John Medcalf Esq'r 

Ten for charles Gushing Esq'r 

Nine for Benjamin Austins Jun'r 

Ten for Dea. Jonathan Mayson Esq'r 

Eight for his Honour Thomas Gushing Esq'r 

Six for Joshua Henshaw Esq'r 

Five for John Lowel Esq'r 

Five for Jabes Fisher Esq'r 

Two for Jonathan Medcalf Esq'r 

Two for Benjamin Lincoln Esq'r 

Tw^o for Richard Granch Esq'r 

Two for Solomon Lovel Esq'r 

Monday April 2d 1787. 
At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
- Mr. John Goddard being chosen moderator. 
Voted, to allow the Uev'd Mr. Jackson the sum of Fourteen 



857 

pounds for wlmt he has P'xpondod nioro thau his stated Sallary to 
Support his Famih" the year pas'd 

A^oted, that the sum of Eleaven i)ouiids tliirtecn Sliillings & 
Four pence be added yearh' to the Rev'd Mr. Jackson's Stated 
SaUary until the Further Order of the Town 

Voted, that the Grammar School be Discontinued after the 
Seven Months agreed for with the Present Master is Expired, til 
the First Day of Sept'r next. 

\'oted, that the Selectmen be Directed and the}' are liereb}' 
Directed, to Iiigage a School mistress to keep School in the School 
house in the middle of the Town, for the term of three months in 
the Summer Season or in Such other place as they shall think 
more convenient 

Voted that the Town allow Stephen Sharp Interest on his orders 
Drawn b}' the Selectmen on the Town Treasurer, after one j^ear 
from the Date of the Orders, til paid 

Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen Town Treasurer, Decliud Ser — 

Then the meeting was adjournd to next may meeting 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

N. B. it was also Voted at the above meeting to Raise the 
Sum of Eighty Pounds to Repair the highways the current 3'ear 

Thursday May. 10, 1787 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Warned and assembled according to Law 

The Selectmen being moderators, 

Upon the Question, whether the Inhabitants will choose Some 
Person to Represent them in a great and General Court or Assem- 
bl}' to be Convened at Boston on the last WedncsdMy in "Mmv. it 
was Voted in the AfBrmative. 

The Inhabitants then Gave in their Votes and upon Counting 
the same it appeared that Mr. John Goddard was chosen Repre- 
sentative, and it was Declard according 
4G 



358 

Then Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen Moderator 
Mr. Caleb Craft havin Decliu'd Serving as a Select man 
Mv. Samuel Clark was chosen a Select man for the ensuing 
year 

Mr. Samuel Croft was chosen Town Treasurer, Declind Serving 
Wm. Aspiuwall Esq'r Offers to serve the Town, as Treasurer in 
case the Town will Deduct One Hundred pounds from the Valua- 
tion of his Personal Estate and Facculty 

The Town accept his offer and chose him Treasurer 
Voted to adjourn this meeting to Tuesdaj^ next at five a clock 
in the afternoon in this place 

Then the meeting was adjourned accordingly 

May loth 1787, 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
by adjournment from the 10 of may current 

But few of the Inhabitants being meet it was voted to Dissolve 
the meeting. 

Thursday May 31. 1787 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of of the Town of Brook- 
line, Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen Moderator 

Voted, to accept the report of the Towns Committee, in Eegard 
to the Town and School Treasurers accounts 

Voted, to Raise the Sum of two Hundred pounds on Polls, Eeal 
and Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town and on 
Non-resident Possessors for the purpose of Defraying the Charges 
of the Town the current 3'^ear 

Mr. Caleb Craft was chosen on the School Committee in room 
of Mr. Isaac Child 

Voted, to have a Contribution for the Sufferers b}^ the late fire 
in Boston 

Voted that the Contribution for the above purpose be on the 
fii'st Sabbath in Jul}- next 



359 

The .Selectmen were also, chosen a conmiittee, to Keccivc the 
Money that may be collected b^' a contrilnition for the Sufferers 
by the late Firo in Boston and Distribute the Same to Such o/ the 
Sufferers as they in their Judgment may think Stand in Greatest 
Need ; and Render an account of their Doings to the Town at the 
next Town Meeting 

Attest Step'n Sharp Town Cler. 

December 10/h 1787 

at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookliue, 

Mr. John Goddard being chosen moderator 

The Rev'd Joseph Jackson was chosen a Delagate to Represent 
this Town in a Conven- of Delegates from the Towns in this state 
at the state house in Boston, on the Second Wednesday of Jan. 
next, for the purpose of taking under consideration the Form of 
Government for 3-e United States 

Voted, to abate Mr. S. Hills Taxes the year 1785 

Voted that the matter in Regard to the Bondmen for the main- 
tenance of Martha Morcan be Referrd for the present 

Voted, that this Meeting be Dissolved 

Attest Step'n Sharp Town Cler 

Blonday March 17 ih 1788 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline at 
the Meeting House Col. Thomas Aspinwall being choosen 

Moderator ; the Town proceeded to the choice of the following 
persons to serve as Town Officers the year Ensuing Viz. 

Voted, that three persons be chosen to Serve the Town as 
Selectmen the year ensuing ; and that they be chosen together, 

Capt'n IMoses Wliite, Lieut. Samuel Croft, and IMr. Samuel 
Clark was chosen selectmen 

Step'n Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

William Aspinwall Esq'r was chosen Town Treasurer 



360 

Mr. Samuel Griggs, was chosen a Surveyor of the highways for 

the north District 

Mr. John Goddard for the middle district 

Mr. Thadd's Jackson for the South District 

Mr. Nathaniel Winchester for the fourth District 

Mr. Joseph Goddard, & Capt Moses White were chosen Fence 

viewers 

Mr. Artemas Woodward was chosen Surveyor of Boards 

Shingles, and Wood 
Mr. Ebenezer Weeb, and Mr. Joshua Griggs were chosen Field 

Drivers 

Mr. Joseph Woodward Jun. & Mr. Sam. Winchester chosen 

Hogreaves 

Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen Clerk of the Market 

Mr. Elhanan Winchester was chosen Sealer of Leather 

Mr. Daniel Dana and IVIr. Artemas Woodward, were chosen 

weighers of Bread, and Directed to Govern & Regulate themselves 

hy the Boston Standard 

Mr. Daniel Dana, Mr. E. Kitchen Wolcott and Mr. Ebenez'r 

Davis were chosen a committee to Inspect the Town and School 

Treasurer's accounts, and to Report the State thereof to the Town 

at next may meeting 

Col. Aspinwall & Lieut. Croft were chosen Firewards 

Voted, to hire a constable & Collector of Taxes 

Step'n Sharp ofters to Serve as constable and Collector of Taxes 

for nine pence on the pound, on all Rates he Shall Collect, the 

Town accept his offer, and he was chosen Constable and Collector 

of Taxes for the ensuing 3'ear 

Mr. Ebenezer Davis was chosen Tithing man 

Monday April 7 1788. 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of choosing a Governor and Lieut. Governor for the 



8(51 

Cominouwealth of MassiicliusoUs, and Six Scnetor for tlio County 
of Siirtblk the luhabitauts brought in their Votes viz. 

For a Governor, Twenty eight Votes for his Excellenc}' John 
Hancock 

For a Lieut. Governor 24 Votes for Benjamin Lincoln Esq'r 
6 for tlie Hon. Samuel Acldams Esq'r 
For Senetors uO — for the Hon. Win. Phillips Esq'r 

30 — for the Hon Cotton Tufts Esq'r 
30— for the Hon Step'n Medcalf Esq'r 
30 — for the Hon. Sam'el Addams Esq'r 
29 — for the Hon. Elijah Dunbar Esq'r 
2G— for the Hon. Thomas Dors Esq'r 
3— for the Hon. Wm. Heath Esq'r 
2 — for the Hon. Benjamin Austin Esq'r 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator, 

Mr. Enoch Corey was chosen Surveyor of the Highways for the 
Middle District in Room of Mr. John Goddard who declind Serv. 

Voted, that the Selectmen be Directed and they are hereby 
Directed, to allow four Shillings pr. Da^- pr. man for work at the 
highways the present ^-ear 

Voted, That the Sum of Eighty Pounds be Raised for Repairing 
the Highwa3"s the Current year. 

Voted that three Quarters of the Highways Tax, be worked out 
before the first Day of July and the Remaining Quarter before the 
first day of October, and if any Person Shall neglect to work out 
his Proportion of Sd Tax before Said, that the Surveyor be ira- 
powered (& he is herebj- impowered) to Employ other persons to 
work out Such Delinquents Taxes ; and give them Receipts for the 
Same : which Shall be Received for their Town Tax, and Those 
who Neglect to work out their Highway Tax Shall be Obliged to 
pay the Same in Money to the Collector of the Town for Sd year 
for the Use of the Town 



362 

Voted, that the Selectmen be Directed to Engage the Present 
School Master to keep School in the School Honse in the middle 
of the [Town] for a year, if he will Engage for the Same Wages 
pr. month ; he Did the last Winter. 

Voted that John Harris Tert's Collector for the year 1787. be 
Directed and he is hereby Directed forthwith, to Collect and pay 
in to the Town Treasnrer, the Remaining part of the Tax for the 
pnrpose of paying the Rev'd Joseph Jackson his stated Sallary 

Voted, that this meeting be adjourned without Day — and was 
adjourned accordingly 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline the 
12th Day of May 1788. 

Voted, to choose some Person to Represent this Town in the 
General Court the Present 3'ear the Inhabitants brought in their 
votes for a Representative and upon counting the same it appeared 
that Mr. John Goddard was chosen to Represent this Town in the 
Great and General court of this Commonwealth the Present 3'ear 

Then Mr, John Goddard was chosen Moderator 

Voted to Raise the sura of ninety Six pounds nineteen Shillings 
to pa}' Mr. John Goddard — and that the Treasurer be Directed 
and he is hereb}' Directed to pay Mr. Goddard the above Sum of 
ninet}' Six pounds nineteen Shillings, out of the Monej' that 
remains in the Collectors hands if their Shall so much Remain 
after paying of the orders already given out by the Selectmen and 
other Debts the Taxes were assessed to pay, and if their Shall not 
so much Remain, to make up Said Sum Out of the first Money 
that Shall be Collected of the next Tax 

Voted, that the Sum of two hundred and twent}^ Pounds be 
Raised on Polls, Real, and Personal Estates of the Inhabitants, of 
this Town, and nonresident Possessors, for the Purpose of Defray- 
ing the charges of the Town the Current year — Voted that Doct'r 
Aspinwall may Erect a Hospital on his own Farm, for the purpose 



3G3 

of inoculating with the Small Pox, and that the Town approve of 
the Sd Aspinwall to take the charge of 8d Hospital, Observing 
the Directions of the Law Relating thereto 

Voted that this Town will Join llie Towns in the upper part of 
this connty, in Petitioning the General Court to be set of in a 
Separate County b}' themselves, then the meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Step'n Sharp Town Clerk 

December 18. 1788. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of Giving in their Votes for some Person in the County 
of Suffolk to Represent the People of this Commonwealth in the 
Congress of the United States, and also to give in their Votes for 
two Persons as Candidates for an Elector of the President and 
Vice President of the United States, the Inhabitants brought in 
their Votes to the Selectmen Viz, for a Representative. 

Seventeen Votes for Sara'el Allen Otis Esq'r 

Six Fisher Ames Esq'r 

For candidates for an Elector of President and Vice President 

Twenty one Votes for Jabes Fisher Esq'r 

Seventeen lor James Bowdoin Esq'r 

Four for Samuel Addams Esq'r 

Then Maj. Moses "White was chosen Moderator 

The Selectmen ware chosen a Committee to renew the Jury Box. 

Voted that Doct'r "Wm. Aspinwall have Liberty and he is hereb}' 
Granted Liberty to Continue Inoculating with the Small Pox as 
Usual 

Voted that the Selectmen be Directed to Send Ann White 
Daughter of the late Ebcnez'r White on to Worcester the Town 
where She was Born to be maintained 

Then the Meeting was adjournd without Day 

Attest Step'n Sharp Town Clerk 



364 

Brookline March 16. 1789. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Warnd & assembled according to Law Mr John Goddard being 
chosen Moderator ; the Town proceeded to the choice of the fol- 
lowing Persons to serve as Town officers the year insuing Viz 

Voted to choose three Selectmen te Serve the Town ye, insuing 
year 

Selectmen Maj'r Moses White, Capt'n Sam'el Croft cfe mr. 
Sami'el Clark were chosen Selectmen 

Town Clerk Step'n Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

Town Treas'r Wm. Aspinwall Esq'r was chosen Town Treasurer 

Constable Mr. Edward K. Wolcott offers to serve the Town as 
Constable & and Collector of Taxes, for Eleaven pence half penn}^ 
on ye pound on all Taxes, he shall collect & was accordingly 
chosen Constable & Collector of Taxes 

Surveyors of Highways Mr. Jonathan Dana, was chosen Sur- 
veyor of the Highways for the North District Mr. Benjamin "White 
for the Middle District, Mr. Elijah Child for the South District 
Mr. John Corey for the New District 

Fence Viewers Mr. Joseph Goddard & Mr. John Harris Jun. 
were chos'n Fence view's 

Survej'ors of Boards Shingles & Wood Mr. Eleaz'r Baker was 
chosen Surve3"or of Boards & Shingles, Col. Thomas Aspinwall 
was chosen surve^'or of Wood. 

Field Drivers. Mr. Joshua Griggs & Mr. Benj'n Davis were 
chosen Field Drivers 

Clerk of Market Mr. Eleaz'r Baker was Chosen Clerk of the 
Market 

Leather Sealer. Mr. Step'n Hersey was chosen Scaler of Leather 

Bread Weighers. Mr. Artemas Woodward, & Mr. Daniel Dana, 
chosen Bread weighers. 

Voted that the Bread weighers. Govern & Regulate themselves 
in regard to their office by the Boston Standard 



365 

Ilogroavos. Mv. Ezra Jackson & Mr. John IIow 

Firewanls Col. Thoni's Aspinwall, & Capt'n Sani'el Croft 

Voted that the Selectmen be directed to Receive the Legacy 
(in the hands of Deac'n David Weld of Koxhiuv) left by the late 
Miss Loring to Nehemiah Davis, and give their Receit for the 
Same & apply the same to the Support of Sd Nehemiah 

Voted that the article in the Warrant, in Regard to Nehemiah 
Davis be Referred to April Meeting. 

Committee to Examin accounts vStep'n Sharp, Mr. Edw'd K. 
AVolcott, and Mr. John Goddard were chosen a Committee to 
examin the Town and School Treasurers accounts & Report the 
State thereof at may meeting. 

Mr. John Heath. Col. Thom's Aspinwall Mr. Ebenez'r Davis 
Maj'r Moses White and Mr. Gulliver Winchester were chosen a 
Committee to Examine the Pound, and report the State thereof at 
the next Town Meeting 

The Inhabitants brought in their votes for a County Treasurer 
and upon counting the Same, their appeared to be Twenty Votes 
for Thom's Crafts Esq'r 

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned til the first monda}- in 
April next — and was adjourned accordingl}' 

Attest Step'n Sharp Town Clerk 



Mowry April G. 1789 
At a meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline at the Meeting House for the purpose of choos- 
ing a Governor & Lieut Governor for the Commonwealth of Mas- 
sachusetts. <fe Six persons for Senators for the District of Sulfolk. 
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes. "\'iz 
For a Governor 

21 Votes for his Excellen'y John Hancock Esq'r 
7 " " " Excellency James Bowdoiu Esq'r 
47 



366 

For a Lieut. Gover'r 

17 Votes for the Hon'l Sam'el Addaiiis Esq'r 

11 " " Hon'r Benjamin Lincoln Esq'r 
For Senators 

22 Votes for the Hon'le Sam'el Addams Esq'r 

23 " " the Hon'le William Phillips Esq'r 
21 " " the Hon'le Thorn's Daws Esq'r 
23 " "the Hon'le Cotton Tufts Esq'r 

23 " " the Hon'le Stephen Medcalf Esq'r 
16 " "the Hon'le Elijah Dunbar Esq'r 
10 " for John Reed Esq'r 

Then Mr. John Goddard being chosen Moderator Voted to 
Raise the Sum of Eighty pounds to Repair the highway's the cur- 
rent year 

Voted, that a Grammer School Master be Hired to keep the 
School in the middle of the Town through the 3-ear 
Then the meeting was Dissolv'd 

Attest Steph'n Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline May 14. 17S9 

at a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline, at the Meeting House. 

The Selectmen being Moderators 

Voted to Send some Person to Represent this Town in the 
Great and General court the ensuing year 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen to Represent this Town in a 
great and General Court to be convend and held for the Govern- 
ment Service at the State House in Boston on the last Wednesday 
'in may next 

Voted to Raise the Sum of two hundred and thirty pounds on 
Polls, Real and Personal Estates, of the Inhabitants and non : 
residents possessors, for the purpose of paying back Debts and 
Defrajdng the necessary- charges of the Town the present year 



3G7 

Voted to Raise the Sum of one Imndred i)oiuids to pay Cai)t'a 
Sam'el Croft in part of his Bond 

Voted, that Doct'r Aspinwail Continue to innoeulate with tlic 
small pox as usal — then the meeting was Desolv'd 

attest Step'u Sharp Town Clerk 

August 31, 1789. 

at a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline warnd 
and Assembled according to Law 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator 

Voted to hire a Collector of Taxes for the present year in Room 
of Edward K. Wolcott who Declines Serving 

Joshua Griggs offers to serve as CoUect'r of Taxes for the 
present 3'ear for one Shilling on a pound, the Town accept his 
otfer and choose him for their CoUect'r of Taxes for the present 
year 

Voted that the Treasurer be Directed & he is hereby Directed to 

issue his Execution against John Harris Jun. CoUect'r for the year 

1787. for the Deficiency of his Collections, by the Tenth Day of 

Sept'r next and make it Returnable in thirty Days if the Law will 

admit, if not as soon as it Avill admit, then this meeting was 

adjournd till the third monday in Oct'r next at three a clock in the 

afternoon 

Attest 

Step'n Sharp Town C'lork 

Brookline Odob'r 19. 1789 

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline by adjournment from 31st of aug'st last 

Mr. John Goddard being Moderator 

Voted that the Town Treasurer be Directed & he is hereby 
Directed to govern himself in Regard to paying out money accord- 
ing to the Votes of the Town pas'd the 12 of ma}- 1788 

Voted, that the Selectmen be Directed and they are hereby 



368 

Directed, to buy the Rev'd Joseph Jackson's wood for the present 
3-ear, on the most Reasonable terms they can, 

Voted that the Selectmen be Directed and they are hereby 
Directed to Direct the present School Master, not to instruct any 
Children from any adjacent Town, the number of Schollars that 
attend belonging to this Town being Sufficient to Require all his 
attention 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd without Day and was 

adjournd according^ 

Attest Step'n Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline 3farch 15/h 1790 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, 
warnd and Assembled according to Law. 

Col. Tliomas Aspinwall being chosen Moderator, the Town pro- 
ceeded to the Choice of the following persons to Serve as Town 
Officers the}' 3'ear Ensuing, Viz 

Voted to choose three Selectmen to Serve the Town the Ensuing 
Year 

Select :men Maj'r Moses White Capt'n Sam'el Croft & Mr. 
Sam'el Clark were chosen Selectmen. 

Town Clerk Step'n Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

Fence Viewers Mr. Joseph Goddard & Mr. John Harris Jun'r 
were chosen Fence Viewers 

Town Treasurer William Aspinwall Esq'r was Chosen Town 
Treasurer 

Surveyors of Highways Mr. Ebenez'r Davis was Chosen Sur- 
veyor of the highwa}^ for the North District. Mr. Ebenez'r White 
for the Middle District, Mr. Ebenez'r. Weeb for the South Distrist 
Mr. Abijah Child for the New District 

Surveyor of Lumb'r Mr. Eleaz'r Baker was chosen Surveyor 
of Lumber 

Tithingmen Mr. Eben Davis & Mr. Sam'el Clark were chosen 
Tithinsman 



3G9 

Scaler of Leather Mr. Step'n Ilersey was chosen Sealer of 
Leather 

Measurer of Wood Col. Aspiiiwall was chosen Measurer of 
Wood 

Clark of ye Market Ur. E. K. Wolcott was chosen Clerk of the 
Market 

Ilogreaves Mr. Lot thair, & Mr. Jonathan Jackson chosen 
Hogreaves 

Field Drivers Mr. Ben Davis & Mr. Eben. White chosen Field 
drivers 

Firewards Col : Aspinwall & Capt'n Croft chosen Firewards. 

Voted, to liire a Constal)le and Collector of Taxes 

Voted, that the hireing a Constable and Collector of Taxes be 
Refered til April Meeting 

Mr. Edward K. Wolcott Steph'n Sharp & Mr. Isaac S. Gardner 
were chosen a Committee to Examine the Town Treasurers and 
School Treasurer's Accounts 

Voted, to Raise the Sum of Eighty pounds to Repair the lligh- 
waj's the Ensuing yeav 

Voted, that Mr. Caleb Craft. Mr. John Goddard and Col Aspin- 
wall. be a Committee, to take under consideration what is best to 
be done in Regard to Schools & School houses and Report their 
Opinion thereon at the next Town meeting 

Voted, that the article in the Wan-ant in Regard to Granting 
Doct'r Aspinwall Liberty to Innoculate with the Small pox as 
usual, be Refer'd til April meeting 

Voted tliat this meeting be adjonrnd til monda}- the fifth Day 
of April next at two a Clock in the Afternoon 

and was adjonrnd accordingly Attest 

Step'n Sharp Town Clerk 

Brooldine April oth 1790 
At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Said Brookline for the 
purpose of choosing a Governor & Lieutenant Governor, for the 



370 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and vSis Persons for Counsellors 
for the Disti'ict of Suffolk the Inhabitants brought in their Votes 
Viz 

For a Governor 

19. Votes for his Excellency John Hancock Esq'r 

8 " for the Hon'le James Bowdoin Esq'r 
For a Lieutenant Governor 

26. Votes for his Honour Samuel Addams Esq'r 
For Counsellors 

24 Votes for the Hon'le Stephen Medcalf Esq'r 
23 " for the Hon'le William, Phillips Esq'r 
22 " for the Hon'le Cotton Tufts Esq'r 
19 " for the Hon'le Thomas Daws Esq'r 
18 " for the Hon'le Thomas Russel Esq'r 
14 " for the Hon'le Benjamin Austin Esq'r 
13 " for the Hon'le William Heath Esq'r 

9 " " " James Bowdoin Jun Esq'r 
1 " John Read Esq'r 

1 " Thomas Clark Esq'r 

Attest Steph'n Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline April 5th 1790 

at a Meeting of the Inhabitants of said Brookline by adjourn- 
ment from the 15th Daj" of March Last 

Col'n Thomas Aspinwall being Moderator 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Treasurer for the 
County of Suffolk, upon counting the Same their appear'd to be 
Twent}' three Votes for Thomas Crafts Esq'r 

Constable & Collect'r of Taxes Mr. Joshua Griggs offers to 
serve the Town as Constable and Collector of Taxes for the ensu- 
ing 3'ear for Eight pence one Farthing on the Pound on all Taxes 
he Shall Collect 

The Town accept his offer & choose him accordingly 

Voted, to Repair the School house in the middle of the Town. 



371 

Voted, not to keep a School in tlie middle of the Town thro the 
Summer Season • 

Voted, to kcri) a AVomans School at the Lower end of the Town 
from the 15 of May next to the 15. of. September following 

Voted, that the Select men be Directed and they are hereby 
Directed, to Asses the Snm that Shall 1)C Granted and agreed 
npon by the Town at next may meeting and Deliver a list of Said 
Assesment to the Collector, in two months from the First Day of 
May next, and if the Collector Shall not Collect and pay in to the 
Town Treasurer, the whole of said list, in Seven months after Re- 
ceiving the Same, the Treasurer is Directed to Issue his Execution 
against him for the Deficienc}' 

Voted that a "Womans School be kept in the upper End of the 
Town for the term of four months from the Fifteenth Day of may 
next. 

Voted that Docter Aspinwall Continue to Innoculate with the 
Small Pox as nsual 

Voted that the Surveyors of the highways be Directed and they 
are hereby Directed to Govern themselves in regard to w^orking 
out the highway Rate by a Vote of the Town for that purpose 
pas'd the Seventh Day of april 1788, and that they make a 
Return of their Lists to the Assessors b}' the 15th Day of October 
next. 

Voted that this meeting be adjournd to the Second Wednesday 
in may next at two a Clock in this place 

and was adjournd accordinglj' 

BrookUne May 12. 1790. 
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
The Select : men being moderators 
Voted to Send a Representative 

AVm. Aspinwall Esq'r was chosen to Represent this Town in the 
Great and General Court the Insuing year. 

Then Col. Thomas Aspinwall was chosen moderator 



372 

Voted to Raise the Sum of two hundred and Fift}' Pounds on 
Polls Real & Personal Estates of the Inhabitants and on Nonresi- 
dent possessors, for the purpose of pa3'ing hack Debts, and De- 
fraj-ing the necessary charges of the Town the present 3'ear 

Voted to Raise the Sum of one Hundred pounds on Polls, Real 
and personal Estates of the Inhabitants and on Nonresident 
possessors, for the purpose of paying Maj'r Moses White his 
note 

Voted that the Town Treasurer be Directed and he is hereby 
Directed, to issue his Execution against Stephen Sharp Collector 
for the 3'ear one Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty Eight, b}^ 
the Fifteenth Day of jul}^ next, for the Deficienc}' of his Collec- 
tions 

. Voted that the Town Treasurer be Directed and he is hereby 
Directed to Issue his Execution against Joshua Griggs Collector 
for one thousand seven hundred and Eighty nine, for the Deficiency 
of his Collections, bj^ the first Day of November next 

Voted to Excuse Wm. Aspinwall Esq'r from Serving as Town 
Treasurer. 

Voted that the Thanks of the Town be given to Wm. Aspinwall 
Esq'r for his Services as Town Treasurer for a number of ^-ears 
past. 

Voted that the Assessors be Directed, and thej' are hereby 
Directed to ad Such Sums as were not work'd out in the highway 
Rates for the years 1788 and 1789, in with the Deficient persons 
highway Rate for the present 3-ear to be work'd out according to 
the Directions of the present Surveyors, and if Said sums shall 
not be work'd out this present 3'ear, to be Returnd by tlie Sur- 
veyors to the Selectmen, in order that Said Deficient Sums ma^' be 
Collected agreeable to a Vote of the Town for that purpose. 

Voted that this meeting be adjournd without Day 

Then was adjournd accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



October Mil 1790. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warnd and Assembled according to Law. 

The Selectmen presiding at Said meeting 

The Inhabitants gave in their Votes for a person to Represent 
the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in the Congress 
of the United States, as follows Viz. 

Twenty four Votes for Fisher Ames Esq'r 

Then Col. Thomas Aspinwal was chosen Moderator 

Voti'd, that the Selectmen be Directed and they are hereb}' Di- 
rected to Buy Mr. Jackson's "Wood for the present year on the 
most Reasonal)le terms the}' can. 

Voted not to keep School iu the School House in the middle of 
the Town the ensuing "Winter. 

Voted, to keep one .School in tlie upper part of the Town Called 
the middle District, and one School in the lower part of the Town 
for the terra of Five months Each from the first Day of November 
next. 

Capt'n John Dean. Mr. Isaac S. Gardner, and Mr. AVilliam 
Ackers were chosen a Committee to provide a House to keep 
School in, in the upper part of the Town five months from the 
1st of Nov'r next. William Aspinwall Esq'r Mr. Ebenez'r Davis, 
and Mr. Daniel Dana were chosen a committee to provide a House 
to keep School in five months from the first Day of Nov'r next in 
the lower part of the Town 

Voted, that Doct'r "William Aspinwall liavc liberty and he is 
hereby Granted liberty to Ennoculate with the Small Pox as 
Usal. 

Mr. Eleazer Baker, Maj'r Moses "White and AVilliam Aspinwall 
Esq'r were chosen a Committee to Draught a plan for a School 
House and to Estemate the Cost of Building the Same, and Report 
their Judgment tliereon at the next Town Mocling. 

Then the Meeting was Desolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 
48 



374 



Decern' r 16. 17')0. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline. Mr. 
John Goddard being chosen Moderator. 

Voted to Direct the Town Treasurer to Loan the Old Paper 
Currency that belojigs to the Town. 

V^oted to adjourn this Meeting to the Rev'd Mr. Jackson's, where 
being meet. 

Where being meet. Voted to Direct the Select men to Isue a 
Warrant for calling a Town Meeting to see Whether the Town will 
do any thing in Regard to Schools or School Houses. 

then this meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline Deceiu'r 23. 1790 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Maj'r Moses White was chosen Moderator. 

Voted to Build a School House 

Voted that sd School House be built near w^here the late Deacon 
Joseph White's Dwelling House Stands. 

Voted not to Build a School House in the middle of the Town — 

Voted, that the School House above Voted, and the School 
House lately Built in the lower part of the Town, be Equally paid 
for by the Town. 

Voted, to Raise the Sum of one Hundred and thirt}' Pounds for 
the purpose of Defraying the charges of Building Said two School- 
houses. 

Voted that the sum of one hundred & thirty pounds above 
Voted, be Raised on the Valuation of Estates taken the first Day 
of May last. 

Maj'r Moses White, mr. Caleb Gardner and mr. Isaac S. Gard- 
ner, were chosen a committee to provide a Spot, and Build a 
School House thereon in the upper part of the Town 

then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Step'n Sharp Town Clerk. 



37') 

Brookh'ne ss Monda}/ Mardi 11. 1701 

Tlio luhabrtants of this Town being assembled at the Meeting 
House pursuant to Warrant and Notification, Mr. John Goddard 
being chosen Moderator. 

The Town proceeded to the choice of the Following Persons to 
serve as Town otiicers the year ensuing, namely 

Town Clerk. Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

upon the Question whether the number of Selectmi'U for the 
year ensuing shall be Ave or three it was Voted that the Numl)er 
be three and that they be chosen all together. 

Select men Isaac S. Gardner Escj'r Mr. Caleb Craft and Mr. 
Ebenezer Davis were chosen Select, men. 

Fence Viewers Mr. Robert Sharp and INIr. John Harris Jun'r 
were chosen Fence Viewers 

Town Treas'r Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 

Surveyors of Highways Capt'n Timothy Corey was chosen Sur- 
veyor of the Highways for the North District. i\Ir. Wm. llyslops 
Jun'r for the middle District, Mr. Caleb Craft for the South Dis- 
trict, and Mr. Nathaniel Winchester for the fourth District. 

Surveyor of Lumber Mr. Artemas Woodward was chosen Sur- 
veyor of Lumb'r 

Tithingmen Mr. Ebenez'r Davis and ]\[r. William King were 
chosen Tithing men 

Leather Seal'r Mr. Jonas Tolman was chosen Sealer of 
Leather 

Surveyor of Wood Col. Thorn's Aspinwall was chosen Surve^'or 
of Wood 

Mr. Elea/.er Baker was chosen Clerk of the Market. 

Hogreaves Mr. Benjamin J:)avis and Mr. Ebenezer Heath were 
chosen Hogreaves 

Field drivers Mr. Joshua Griggs, and ^Mr. Solomon Child were 
chosen Fielddrivers 

Firewards Col. Thomas Aspinwall and Mr. -lohn Heath were 
chosen Firewards. 



376 

Voted to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes for the ensu- 
ing year 

Constabl' Mr. Ebenez'r Davis offers to serve Constable and 
Collector of Taxes the ensuing year for one shilling on the pound, 
on all Taxes he shall Collect. 

The Town accept his offer and mal^e choice of him for their 
Constable and Collector of Taxes for the ensuing year. 

Voted, not to excuse Mr. John Harris Juu'r from working at 
the Iligliways 

Doct'r Wm. Aspinwall Mr. John Heath and Mr. Edward K. 
Wolcott, were chosen a Committee to Examin the Town Treas- 
urers accounts and School Treasurers accounts and Report to the 
Town the State thereof at next may meeting, 

Voted, to abate Capt'n John Dean's Taxes for the j-r 1788 

Doct'r William Aspinwall, Mr. Daniel Dana and Mr. John 
Harris Jun'r were chosen a Committee to take under Consideration 
whether or no an}' part of Mr. Joseph Goddards Taxes for the 
3'ear 1790. ought to be abated, and Report their Judgment thereon 
to the Town at next April meeting. 

Voted, to abate Mr. Thuddeus Hides Taxes for the years 1787- 
1788 and 1790. 

Then the Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Register of 
Deeds for the County of Suffolk, Namely, thirteen Votes for Joshua 
Henshaw Esq'r four Votes for Samuel Barret Esq'r four Votes 
for Samuel Ruggies Esq'r one Vote for Elkanah Hawks Esq'r one 
Vote for Thomas Clark Esq'r 

Then the meeting was Dissolved. 

Brookline April Ath 1791. 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of choosing a Governor, and Lieutenant Governor for 
the commonwealth of Massachusetts and Six persons for Counsel- 
lors, or Senators for the District of Suffolk. 



377 

The Inluibitants brought in their Votes Viz 
For a Governor 

1 G Votes for his Excellenc}- John Hancock Esq'r 
For a Lieutenant Governor 

15 Votes for his Ilon'r .Samuel Addams Esq'r 
For Senators 

17 Votes for the lion AN'illiam rhillips Esq'r 
17 " " " Hon Thomas Daws Esq'r 
17 " " Hon William Heath Esq'r 

17 " " Hon Cotton Tufts J:sq'r 

15 " " Hon Benjamin Austin Jun'r Esq'r 

14 " " Hon Stephen Medcalf Esq'r 

5 " " Thomas Russel Esq'r 

Then Col Thomas Aspinwall was chosen Moderator 
Voted, that Doct'r William Aspinwall have Liberty and he is 
hereby Granted Liberty to luuoculate with the Small pox a3 
Usual 

Mr. Edward K. Wolcot was chosen Surveyor of Wood in Room 
of Col. Thomas Aspinwall who Declined Serving 

Voted that the sum of three shillings pr Day for a Man and 
three shillings pr Day for a Team, be allowed for working at the 
Highways 

Voted that the Sum of Sixty pounds be Raised to Repair the 
Highway's the Ensuing year 

Voted, that the Surveyors of the Highways be Directed and 
the}- are hereb}- Directed to Govern themselves in regard to work- 
ing out the highway Lists, agreeable to a Vote of the Town pased 
in April 1788, and that the}' make a return of their Lists to the 
Assessors by the 15. Day of October next, 

Voted, that the Selectmen be Directed and tliey are hereby 
Directed to warn out all Residents within said Town agreeable to 
a late Law concerning warning out Residents passed by the Gen- 
eral Court in June 178'j, and that the Inhabitants of said Town 



378 

be directed to give Seasonable Notice of all Snch Persons as may 
be Received into their Families or Town agreeable to Law, — 
otherwise they will Suffer the penalties thereof. 

Stephen Sharp and Mr. John Goddard were chosen a Committee, 
to Join the Selectmen in taking a new Valluation of the Town 

Voted, that Mr. Edward K : Wolcott. Mr. John Harris Jun'r 
and Mr. Nathaniel Winchester were chosen a Committee to View 
the Pound and Report their Opinion thereon at may Meeting 

Voted to Repair the School House in the middle of the Town, — 
Mr. John Goddard Mr. Nathaniel "Winchester & Mr. Samuel 
Clark were chosen a Committee to Repair the School House in the 
middle of the Town. 

Voted to keep a mans School in the School house in the middle 
of the Town Six months from the first Day of May next 

Voted, that the above Committee chosen in Conjunction with 
the Select : men to take a Valuation of the Town, be impowered, 
and they are hereby impowered and Directed, to measure at the 
cost of the Town, all such Farms, or Pieces of Land, as in their 
Judgment Contain more than is given in by the Owner or 
Occupier 

Then the Meeting was Dissolv'd 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

BrookUnc May 12th 1791 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 

Voted to Send a Representative 

William Aspinwall Esq'r was chosen to Represent this Town in 
the General Court the Ensuing Year. 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator 

the Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Register of Deeds 
for the Count}' of Suffolk. Viz Eighteen Votes for Joshua Hen- 
shaw Esq'r four for Sam'el Ruggles Esq'r 

Voted to Raise the Sum of two hundred and fifty Pounds on 



379 

I'oUs, Real and rersonal Estates of the Inhabitants, and JS'onresi- 
dent Possessors, to pay the arrearages of last 3'ears accounts and 
Defray the charges of the Town the Current year 

Voted that one half the above kSum be Collected and paid into 
the Treasury by the first Da}' of Nov'r next, and the other half by 
the first Day of Feb'y next and if not pd by the first Day of Feb'y, 
the Treasurer is Directed to give out his Execution for the Defi- 
ciency 

Jxdylhth 1791, 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Krookline 
— Mr. John Goddard being chosen Moderator 

The Select men were chosen to Collect and Sort the Votes for a 
Register of Deeds for the County of Sufiblk. 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Register of Deeds 
for the County of Suffolk and upon Counting the same their 
appeared to be Twelve Votes for Joshua Ilenshaw Esq'r 

Voted that the article in the Warrant in Regard to Dividing 
the County be refered to the next Town Meeting 

The Rev'd Joseph Jackson, William Aspinwall I>q'r and Mr. 
John Goddard were chosen to Exaniin the Schools on the last 
Wednesday in Octob'r Next, and on the last Wednesda}- in Every 
Quarter through the j'ear 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd without Day and was ad- 
journd accordingly 

Monday Aug I 1 Mh 1 79 1 

At a legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of 
the Town of Brookline 

Mr. John Goddard being chosen Moderator 

The Selectmen were chosen a Committee to collect Soi't and 
count the Votes for a Register of Deeds for the Countj' of Surtblk 
and upon counting the Same it appeared tlu\t Mr. Henr}' Alline 
had Fourteen Votes 



380 

Voted that the Selectmen and Committee appointed to take a 
new valuation be Directed to govern themselves by a Vote of the 
Town pased June 5th 1780. 

Voted that the Assessors be Directed to govern themselves as 
the Law Directs in regard to Taxing raonej- and Plate 

Voted that Such persons as have had their Land measured leave 
a certificate thereof with the Town Clerk by monday next 

Voted that the article in the warrant in Regard to Dividing the 
Count}' be Refered to Some Futer Meeting 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned without Day and was 
adjourned accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

then Voted, that Stephen Sharp Town Treasurer be Directed & 
lie is hereb}' Directed to Sell the United States Notes, which were 
Rec'd for the Old Continental Paper Money, belonging to this 
Town, when he can sell the same for twenty shillings on the pound 
and pay the proceeds to the School Treasurer so far as it will go 
towards Discharging the Towns Debt to the School Committee 

December 27 1791 

At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline Legally Assembled 

Col Thomas Aspinwall being chosen Moderator 

The question was taken "Shall this Town Agree that the County 
of Suffolk be Divided in the manner Requested by the Petitioners 
& Negatived Unanimously. 

Then William Aspinwall Esquire Stephen Sharp and Mr. Daniel 
Dana were Chosen to State the Towns Objections &c and Report at 
the next Town Meetins; 

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to the third Day of Jan- 
uary next at the House of Mr. Thomas White at Six a Clock in 
the Evening and was adjournd accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



381 



January '3d 1792 

The Inhabitants bcin<i; meet at the House of IMr. Thomas White 
according to adjomnnient Dec'r 27t 171*1 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall being Moderator 

The Towns Committee chosen the 27 December 1791 to State 
the Towns Objections against the Division of the County of 
Suffolk Report Viz 

1st That it is the Opinion of this Town that the Division of a 
Commonwealth into small Counties is Impolitick & attended with 
Disadvantages Greater than tiie Inconveniences it is meant to 
Keraedy 

2I3' That the Division of the County of Suffolk would be a 
president to Divide Other Counties in tlie Commonwealth which 
may perhaps have as great a claim to a Division. 

Sly That b}' the Division of a County an Additional number 
Houses to transact Business in, will be Required therefore if a 
Commonwealth is Divided into Small Counties, the whole Expense 
of Such Commonwealth, for the judicatory Department will be 
Proportionabl}' Increased . 

4I3' That the Division of a Counts' Requires an Additional 
number of Officers and the Business of a County being Divided 
with said Count}-, the Annual amount of Fees to the Ollicers will 
be proportionabl}' Lesoned. 

for these Reasons it will be Difficult to obtain a Suflicient num- 
ber of Men of Ability and Integrity to fill the Offices of Judges <k 
Justices and they will Tnii)rove less b}- Experience, Consequently 
Business will not be transacted in the Courts of Justice so much 
to the Honour of the Commonwealth nor judiciously for the benefit 
of the Inhabitants. — And the annual amount of the fees of Otlice 
being insufficient for the support of the Officers, they must neces- 
saril}' attend to some other Business and of Course Inattention and 
Nonattendance will take place in the Several Ollioes to the Great 
Injury of the Inhabitants 
49 



382 

oly That if a new County is Created out of the County of Suf- 
folk the remaining pai't of the County will be burthened with an 
Additional Weight of Taxes & Service Greatly to their Injury 

61y That a Division of the County of Sutiblk agreable to the 
Prayer of the' Petitioners (on account of their distance from the 
Shire Town) will be but a partial remedy to that Greivance in the 
County, for the Towns in the Southeast part of the County are 
many of them at a greater Distance from Boston than some of 
those proposed to be included in the new County of Union 

71}^ That if the Petitioners hy their Complaint of being burthened 
luith Taxes ichich might be lesened " meant to allude to the Great 
Expense which arises to the County for the maintenance of Crim- 
inals in Boston Goal, so great a Space of time before th^ir trial (as 
we presume the}^ did, and we Ourselves acknowledge to be an Evil 
the whole Count}' has Reason to lament) yet for the Petitioners to 
seek for a Division upon this account and to throw the whole 
Burthen (which the}' are unwilling to bear part of) upon the shoul- 
'ders of the Remaining part of the County, is Ungenerous and 

Injurious to the Remaining part and we judge that the 

Institution of Courts to try those Criminals at Short periods 
(Except in Cases of Capital Oflences) Would greatly lessen this 
Expense 

Sly That whatever weight may be allowed to these arguments 
of the Petitioners, Viz that they are Subjected to great Delays and 
Expeuces by the trial of Causes merely Maritime & that their 
Disputes in Law are Submitted (are submitted) to Men, totally 
unacquainted with the Affairs of Inland Towns " will apply with 
Equal force to Every other Country Town in the County & there- 
fore if the County is Divided upon this principal the Division ought 
to be at the Boundary line betwixt Boston and the Country 

That it is the Opinion of this Town if a Division of the County 
of Suffolk Should e^er take place that the line of Division Should 
be Drawn betwixt Boston and the Country Towns. 



383 

The report \Ya.s Uiuuiimously accepted ami the fuUowiiig Vole 
passed, 

That the Town Clerk be l^irected and he is hereby- Directed to 
transmit b}' the Representative ol" this Town, to the Honourable 
General Court of this Coiuniouwealth, at their next Session in 
Boston, a Cop^' of the Towns proceediug & Objections to the 
Pra3-er of the Petitioners for a Division of the County of Sutlolk 

Then the Meeting was Adjourud without Da^' 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brooldine Ja?inanj 2iMh 1792 

At a Meetina; of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Warnd and Assembled according to Law. 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator 

Voted that this Town Object against Building a Bridge from 
west Boston to Cambi-idge across Charleses River 

Voted tliat William Aspinwall Esq'r and the Selectmen be a 
Committee to Petition to the General Court in liehalf of the Town 
against Building a Bridge from West ]ioston to Cambridge across 
Charles River 

Voted that the article in the Warrant in Regard to the Pound 
be refered to the next Town Meeting 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

Siifollc ss 

To ]\Ir. Ebenezer Davis Constable of the Town of Brookline in 
the County of Suffolk, Greeting 

You arc in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
Directed to warn and give notice unto Samuel Estabrooks of Lex- 
ington in the County of middlesex Labourer, Isaiah Dunster iu 
the State of New harapshire in the County of Hillsborough La- 
bourer, Abijah Man and Ebeuezcr Bird, both of Needham in the 



384 

County of Suffolk Labourers. Mary Abbot of Dover Abigail 
Marifield and Susanna Baccus of Dorchester in the County of Suf- 
folk, Lot Goldthwait, Jacob Goldthwait and Phineas Howard of 
Stoughton Labourers, and Rachel Nash of Boston in the County 
of Suffolk, Prudence Heath, Sarah Brown Wid'w Ann Tucker 
and Abigail Farrah of Roxbury in the County of Suffolk, Abigail 
Jackson, Wid'w Sarah Jackson, and Elizabeth Abraras from Boston 
in the County of Suffolk, Sarah Jewett of Rowiey in the County 
of Essex. James Jones of Westown George Bribner of Cambridge, 
Nathan Craft of Newtown. Joel Seaverns of Westown all in the 
County Middlesex Labourers, Samuel Winchester (with Samuel, 
Martha, William and Jonathan his Children) of Ashbernham in 
the County of Worcester. 

Who have lately come into this Town for the purpose of abiding 
therein not having Obtained the Towns consent therefor, that they 
Depart the Limits thereof (with their children, and others under 
their care) within fifteen Days — and of this precept with your do- 
ings thereon, j'ou are to make Return into the Office of the Clerk 
of the Town, within twent}- Days next coming that such Further 
proceedings raa^- be had in the premises as the Law Directs 

Given under Our hands and Seals at Brookline aforesaid this 
twenty seventh Day of Feb. 1792 

Caleb Craft Selectmen of 

Isaac S. Gardner Brookline 

Suffolk SS • Brookline March Is/ 1792 

By Virtue of the foregoing Warrant I have Warnd the afore- 
named Persons to Depart the limits of said Town. 

Ebeuezer Davis Constable 

Brookline March 5th 1792 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, Mr, 
John Goddard was chosen Moderator, and the Town proceeded to 



385 

the choice of the following Persons to serve as Town ofllccrs the 
Year ensuing namely 

Voted that this Meeting be adjourncl to the School-house in the 
middle of the Town immediately where being meet 

Town Clerk Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

Voted that the Selectmen be Directed to make the Town Clerk 
a Reasonable allowance for his Servi(;e. 

I'pon the Question whether the number of Selectmen for the 
year ensuing shall be five or three, it was Voted that the number 
be three accordingly 

Select men Mr. Caleb Craft, Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r and Mr. 
Ebenez'r Davis were chosen Selectmen 

Town Treas'r Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 

Fence Viewers Mr. Edward K. Wolcott and Mr. Joseph God- 
dard were chosen Fence Viewers 

Surve3ors of Highways Mr. William King was chosen Survej'or 
of the Highways for the north District 

Mr. John Goddard for the middle District 

Mr. Solomon Child and Mr. Jonathan Trul for the South 
District 

Surve^'or of Lumber Mr. Artemas Woodward was chosen Sur- 
veyor of Lumber 

Tithingmen jMr. Ebenezer Davis and Mr. Joshua Griggs 
were chosen Tithingmen 

Sealer of Leather Mr. Jonas Tolman was chosen Sealer of 
Leather 

Surveyor of Wood Col Tliouias Aspinwall was chosen Sur- 
veyor of Wood 

Clerk of the market Mr. John How was chosen Clerk of the 
market 

Field Drivers Mr. Benjamin Davis and Mr. Elijah Ciiild were 
chosen Ficlddrivers. 

Hogreaves Mr. Samuel Slack and ]\[r. Ebcnezer Ares were 
chosen Hogreaves 



386 

Firewards Capt'n Samuel Croft and Mr. Jonathan Dana were 
chosen Firewards 

Voted* to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes 

Constable Mr. Jonathan Dana Offers to Serve as Constable 
and Collector of Taxes for eleaven pence on the Pound 

The Town accept his Offer and make choice of him for their 
Constable and Collector of Taxes for the ensuing year 

Auditors of Accounts William Aspinwall Esq'r Mr. Daniel 
Dana and Mr. John Goddard were chosen to Exarain the Town 
Treasurers and School Treasurers accounts and to make Report 
of the State of the same at ma}' meeting 

Voted to accept the report of the committee chosen to Examin 
the State of the Pound, which is as follows. 

The Committee appointed to View the State of the Pound have 

attended that service and make the following report this fifth Day 

of March 1792. Viz that the Pound is in such a Condition in its 

present situation, that it is necessary to pull the Old Wall down 

and Rebuild it a new in the same place b}' adding more Stones' so 

as to make the wall four feet tliick at the Bottom and two feet 

thick at tlie top, to Build said wall Seven feet and a half high 

with a piece of Timber as a cap all round the top of Said 

Wall, to have two gate Posts and a gate five feet wide properly 

hung with good hinges Clasps and Staples and a good Padlock to 

belong to said Pound, Your Committee Estemates the Expenses 

of Compleating said Pound at the sum of ten pounds Lawful 

money 

Edw'd K. VVolcott John Harris Jun Committee 

Mr. John Goddard Maj'r Moses White and Mr. John Heath 
were chosen a Committee to Build a Pound agreeable to the fore- 
going Report in the Spot where the Old Pound stjinds, or in some 
other place more suitable, and Compleatthe same by the first Day 
of July next. 

Voted tliat William Aspinwall Esq'r have libertj' and he is here- 
by Granted libert}- to Inuoculate with the Small Pox as Usual 



387 

Voted, that this Meeting; be luljoiu'iid to the lirst momhiy in 
April next, and was adjoiirnd accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday April -Id 1792 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of choosing a Governor and Lieut Governor for the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Six persons for Senators for 
the District of Suffolk — the Selectmen being Moderators 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes Viz. 

For a Governor 

17 Votes for his Excellency John Hancock Esq'r 
1 Vote for the Hon Thorn's Russel Esq'r 
Lieut Governor — 21 Votes for his Hon Sam'l Addams Esq'r 
For Senators 24 Votes for the Hon William Heath 
24 " " " " Cotton Tufts 
21 " " " " Stephen Medcalf 
24 " " " " Thomas Daws 
23 " " " " Benjamin Austin 
19 " " " " James Bowdoiu 
8 " " " " Charles Jarvis 
3 " " " " Oliver Wendall 
1 " " " " William Phillips 

1 " " " " Caleb Davis 

Esquires 

Mr. John Goddard being Moderator 

The Inhabitants proceeded on the Business of the Town by ad- 
journment from the 5th Day of march last. 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Treasurer for the 
County of Sulfolk, and upon Counting the same their apin-ared to 
be twenty Votes for Thorn's Crafts Esfiuire 

Voted, to Raise the sum of one Hundred Pounds to repair the 
Highways the ensuing year. 



388 



Voted to rais the Sum of nine Pounds to purchase & Repair 
Tolls for the use of the, Highways and that said sum be assessed 
in the next Town Tax, to be Laid out at the Direction of the sur- 
ve3'ors, and that each District Draw their proportionable part of 
said sum 

Voted that the Select men be Directed and the}- are hereby Di- 
ricted to Ingage a School master to keep school in the school house 
in the middle (middle) of the Town six months from the loth 
Inst. 

Mr. Ebenez'r Davis was chosen to serve on the committee for 
Building a Pound in room of Mr. John Goddard who Declin'd 
Serving. 

Voted to adjourn this Meeting to Thursdaj' the 4th of April 
inst at four a clock in the afternoon in this place — Then the Meet- 
ing was adjournd accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

T/mrsday April Ath 1792 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
by adjournment from monday the 2d of April Inst — Mr. John 
Goddard being moderator 

Selectmen Mr. Daniel Dana Mr. Jonathan Dana and Mr. John 
Harris Jun. were chosen Selectmen in room of Isaac S. Gardner 
Esq'r Caleb Croft, and Ebenez'r Davis who were chosen the 5th 
march last and Declined Serving 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Brookline May 1th 1792 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline — 
the Selectmen Being Moderators 

Voted to send a Representative 

Wm. Aspiuwall Esquire was chosen Representative & Decl'd 
Serv'g 



389 

Mr. Caleb Craft was chosen Representative and Decline! 
serving 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Representative and Declind 
serving 

Stephen Sliari) was chosen Representative and Declind serving 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator 

Mr. Daniel Dana who was chosen a Selectman the -ith of April 
last Declind serving- 
Voted to choose three Selectmen in addition to the two already 
chosen 

Mr. Joshna Griggs was chosen Snrve^-or of the Highways for the 
north District in Room of Mr. Win. King wlio Declind serving 

Voted, that this Meeting be adjonrnd to AVednesda}' the 9th of 
May Inst at two a clock in the afternoon 

and was adjonrnd accordingl}' 

May 9 th 1792 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of (of) the Town of Brookline 
b}' adjonrnment from the 7th Da}- of Ma}' Inst. 

Mr. John Goddard was again chosen Representative 

Mr. John Goddard being Moderator 

Select men Mr. Ebenez'r Davis, Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r and 
Mr. Joseph Goddard were chosen Select men 

Voted to Raise the sum of three Hundred pounds to Defra}- the 
charges of the Towa the Cnrrent Year to be Collected and paid 
into the Treasnr\' by the last Day of JSIa}- next 

Brookline Sept'r 10th 1792 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r being Moderator 

upon application of a Number of Inhabitants that their Houses 
may be appropriated as Hospitals to Innocwlate with the small 

Pox 

50 



390 

Voted that the selectmen be a Committee to appoint such Houses 
as in their Judgment are most suitable for Small Pox Hospitals, 
and that the time for Innoculating do not exceed the last of this 
month 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Nov'r 2d 1792 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the Purpose of choosing four Persons to Represent this Common- 
wealth in the Congress of the United States, also four Electors of 
the President and Vice President of the United States, the Inhabi- 
tants brought in their Votes to the Selectmen Viz 

For Representatives 

9 Votes for the Hon Benjamin Austin Jun for Suffolk 
9 " " ". " Benjamin Goodhue for Essex 
9 'it'" u Joseph B. Vernum " Middlesex 
9 " " it t' James Bowdoiu District 

9 " " " William Heath for the Commonwealth 

Esquires 
For Electors 

9 Votes for his Hon. Samuel Addams 
9 Votes for the Hon. Azor Arne 
9 Votes for the Hon. William Heath 
9 Votes for the Hon. Eleazer Brooks 
7 Votes for the Hon. Thomas Daws 
2 Votes for the Hon. Increase Sumner 
Esquires 
Then Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator 
Voted that William Aspinwall Esquire have Liberty and he is 
hereby Granted Liberty to Inuocalate with the Small Pox as 
Usual 

then the Meetinir Avas Dissolved. 



391 



Jaminnj the Ath 1793. 

The Inhabitants Brought in their Votes to the Select men for a 
Fedral Representative, upon counting the same their a)jpeard 
to be. 

"26 Votes for the Hon. "William Heath Esquire 

Then Mr. Daniel Dana AVas chosen Moderator 

Voted to accept the Donation of William Hyslop Esquire for 
the purpose of Building a School House on, or near the spot where 
the Old School House in the middle of the Town stands 

Voted, that the Town Sensiblj' imprest with the (the) great 
obligations they are under to "William Hyslop Esquire, for his gen- 
erous Donation for the purpose of Building a School House in said 
Town for the Incouragment and promotion of Learning among the 
Youth of the Rising Generation, Sincerely Return him their 
thanks. 

Voted, that Mr. Ebenez'r Davis, Mr. John Heath and Isaac S. 
Gardner Esquire, be a Committee to "Wait on "William Hyslop 
Esq'r with a Copy of the above Vote, and thank him for his Gen- 
erous Intentions. 

Voted, that Mr. Ebenezer Davis be and he is hereb}' authorized 
to Receive such Donations from "Wm. Hyslop Esquire, as he may 
be pleased to give for the ,purpose of Building a School House 
near the middle of the Town, on or near the spot where the Old 
School House now stands in such form and manner (as) as he 
with the Advice of Wm. Hyslop Esq'r may think proper. 

Voted that the Selectmen for the time being be and they are 
hereby authorisce to move, or Dispose of the School House in the 
middle of the Town, as they in their Judgment see fit^ til the 
further Order of the Town. 

Voted that "Wm. Aspinwall Esquire have Liberty and he is here- 
by Granted Liberty to Innoculate with the Small Pox as Usual 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Towji Clerk. . 



392 

Monday March AtJi 1793 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
— Mr. John Godclarcl being chosen Moderator, and the Town pro- 
ceeded to the choice of tlie Following persons to serve as Town 
Officers the Year Ensuing Namely 

Town Clerk — Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

Upon the Question whether the number of Selectmen for the 
present Year be five or three, it was Voted that the number be 
three, and chose all together — 

Isaac S. Gardner Esquire, Mr. Eben. Davis and Mr. Joseph 
Goddard, were chosen Selectmen and all Declind Serving 

Select men Mr. John Goddard, Stephen Sharp and Capt. 
Timoth}' Core}' were chosen Selectmen 

Town Treas'r Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 

Fence Viewers Mr. Edward K, Wolcott & Mr. John Harris 
Jun were chosen Fence Viewers 

Surve3-ors of Highways Mr. John How was chosen Surveyor of 
the Highways for the North District, Mr. Daniel Price for the 
middle District, Mr. Thadd's Jackson & Mr. John Corej- for the 
south District. 

Surveyor of Wood & Lum Mr. Artemas Woodward was chosen 
Surveyor of Wood and Lumber 

Leather Seal'r Mr. Jonas Tolman was chosen Sealer of 
Leather. 

Field driv's Mr. Elijah Child, and Mr. Benj'n Davis were 
chosen Fielddrivers 

Hogreaves Mr. Elijah Child, and Mi'. Jonas Tolman were 
chosin Hogreaves. 

Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen Clerk of the market 

Mr. Edward K. Wolcott. Isaac S. Gardner Esquire and Wm. 
Aspinwall Esquire, were chosen a Committee to Examin the Town 
Treasurers accounts and the School Treasurers accounts. 

Voted to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes. 



393 

Constable Mr. John Harris .Tun. otFers to Serve as Constable 
and Collector of Taxes for one shilling on the ponnd on all Taxes 
he shall Collect the Insuing Year and was chosen accordingly 

Voted to Build a School House on or near the Spot where the 
Old School House Stands in the middle of the Town 

Voted to raise the sum of Eighty pounds to Build a School 
House in the middle of the Town 

Then Messieurs Ebencz'r Davis, Sam'l Clark, and Abijah Child 
were chosen a Committee to Build a School House in the middle of 
the Town 

Voted this meeting be adjounid without Day and was adjournd 

accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline March ISlh 1793 

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline, at the House of Mr. Jonathan Dana, — Mr. 
John Goddard being chosen Moderator 

Voted, to choose a Committee of three Persons to carr}- on the 
Lawsuit between this Town and Cambridge relative to Thaddeus 
Hide 

Voted that John Goddard, Stephen Sharp, and Capt'n Timothy 
Core}- be, and the}' are hereb}' Outhorised to carrj- on the Lawsuit 
between this Town and Cambridge relative to Thaddeus Hide, in 
Room of the Selectmen, for the last Year Viz, Jonathan Dana, 
John Harris Jun. Isaac S. Gardner Esquire, Ebenez'r Davis and 
Joseph Goddard, who were appointed b}- the Town for that 
purpose 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Monday April 1st 1793 
At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, 
in the County of Suffolk in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
quallified l)y the Constitution of sd Commonwealth to Vote for 



394 

Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Senators, the Said Meeting 
being warnd as the Said Constitution Directs. Votes for the fol- 
lowing persons were Given in, counted and sorted, and Declara- 
tion thereof made as by the said Constitution is Directed. Viz 
Governor 

For his Excellenc}^ John Hancock 22 Votes 

For the Hon. Elbridge Gerry Esqr's 1 Vote 
Lieut Governor 

For his Hon. Samuel Addams Esquire 2Q Votes 
Senators and Counsellors 

For the Hon. James Bowdoin 27 

Hon. Stephen Medcalf 27 

For the Hon. William Heath 26 Votes 

Hon. Thomas Daws 26 

Hon. Benj'n Austin Juu. 23 

Hon. Cotton Tufts 18 

Hon. Ebenez'r Thair Jun. 10 

Hon. Oliver Wendal 3 

Hon. Thomas Russel Esquires 2 
Then the Inhabitants gave in their Votes for a Representative, 
to Represent the first District Viz. Suffolk, Essex and Middlesex, 
in the Congress of the United States of America. Viz 

For the Hon. Benjamin Austin Jun, 19 Votes 

Hon. Samuel Holteu Esquires 7 
Then Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen Moderator & the Business 
of the Town was transacted as follows Viz. 

Voted, that the Surveyors be Directed, and the^^ are hereby 
Directed to allow six pence pr hour pr Man and Six pence pr 
hour pr Team while at Work on the Highways 

Voted, to Raise the sum of one Hundred Pounds to Repair the 
Highways the present Year. 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes, for a County Treasurer 
the same being Counted and sorted by the Moderator of the 



395 

meeting, and the Town Clerk, there appeared to be for Thomas 
Crafts Esquire 21 Votes 

Mr. Jonathan Dana was chosen Grand Juror for the 3'ear, 
Voted, to keep a (iramer school through the summer season to 
the first Day of Nov'r next. 

Voted, that the School Master divide his time Equally in the 
school House at the iiper End of the Town and the school House in 
the Lower End of the Town, after the first Day of Ai)ril next, 
nntil the School House in the middle of the Town is Compleated 
and fit to keep School in. 

Voted, not to sell the whole of the Bod}- seats in the Meeting 
House to Build Pews on. 

Voted to sell one half the Bod}' seats in fleeting House to Build 
Pews on Viz. a space for one Pew on the West end and a space for 
one pew on the East End of the Seats in the Body of the Meeting 
House 

Voted that Said Spots for Pew's be sold immediatel}- at Vendue 
to the Highest bider 

Voted that the money raised by the sale of said Spots for Pews 
be applied for the purpose of Building the school House in the 
middle of the Town. 

Voted to choose a Committee to Inquire into the State of the 
Pews in the Meeting House 

Doct'r Aspinwall, Mr. John Goddard and Mr. Caleb Craft were 
chosen a Committee to Inquire into the State of the wall Pews in 
the Meeting House. 

Then the spot for a Pew at the West end of the Bod}- seats was 
sold to Mr. Benjamin White for twenty three Pounds. 

also a spot for a Pew at the East End of the Bod}- seats was 
sold to Mr. John How for thirty three Pounds. 

Voted that the Pews on said spots be Built Uniform to the Pews 
already Built in the Body of the Meeting House 

Then the Meeting was adjournd without Day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Clerk 



396 

Wednesdaij May 8ih 1793 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
— the Selectmen being Moderators 

The Question being put whether this Town will choose a person 
to Represent them at the General Court appointed to be convened 
and held at Boston on the last Wednesda}^ of May. 

Voted in the Negative. 

Then Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator. 

Voted to accept the Report of the Committee in regard to the 
Town Treasurers and School Treasurers accounts 

Voted to Raise the sum of Three Hundred Pounds on Polls, 
Real and Personal Estates of the Inhabitants and Nonresident 
Possessors, for the purpose of paying Debts and Defraying the 
necessar}^ charges of the Town the current Year 

Voted that the Town Treasurer be Directed and he is hereby 
Directed to Issue his Execution against the Collector for the 
above Said Tax, if not Collected and pd into the Treasury by the 
first Day of May next 

Voted that an abatement of Six pounds be made to Mr. Ebenez'r 
Davis Collector for 1781, on the Old Continental Paper money 
Tax, Provided he Settles Said Tax by the first Day of September 
next 

Voted, that Mr. John Harris Juu. have libertj-, and he is he is 
hereby Granted Liberty, to work out his Highway Rate, for the 
Present Year on his own Private way. 

Voted, that this Meeting be adjornd without Da}^ 

and was Adjornd accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline Sepfr llLh 1793 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Mr. John Goddard Avas chosen Moderator 
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Register of Deeds 



397 

for the County of Norfolk the Selectmen Counted the same (who 
were chosen a Committee for that purpose) and there appeared to 
be Fourteen Votes Ebeuezer Wright 

A. M. 

The Question being put, whether this Town will chose a Person 
to meet the Deligates from the Several Towns in the County of 
Norfolk, at Gays Tavern in Dedhain, on Thursday the r2th Inst 
to Collect the Sentiments of the People of the County — Voted in 
the Negative 

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned without Day — and was 
adjourned accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



Septr 16th 1793 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
Capt'n Timoth}' Corey being chosen Moderator 

Voted to Petition to the General Court at their approaching 
Session for a reunion of this Town to the County of Suffolk. 

The Select men were chosen a Committee to Petition to the 
General Court at their approaching session in behalf of this Town, 
for a Reunion to the County of Snflblk. — Mr. John Goddard 
Decliud Serving, and William Aspinwall Esquire was chosen in 
his Room 

Voted, to Support a School in the School Ho;ise in the South 
part of this Town, for the same tei>m of time that Schools are 
Supported in the School Houses in the North and west parts of the 
Town until the further Order of the Town, 

Voted, to keep throe Schools for the Term of Four months from 
the First Day of December next. Viz one School in the School 
House in the North part of the Town, one School in the School 
House in ihe west part of the Town, and one School in the School 
House in the South part of the Town 
61 



398 

To the Hon'ble the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Gen'l Court Assembled at 
Boston September 18th 1793 

The Petition of the Town of Brookline Humbly Shews 

That the Town was always Opposed to a Division of Suffolk 
until the General Court were about to pass an Act to Divide the 
Said County and all the Country Towns that had been Opposed to 
Said Division, had agreed to unite in Petitioning to be set ofl 
from the County of Suffolk to the New County of Norfolk ; by 
which division the Town of Brookline, would have been entirely 
Seperate, from the County of Suffolk (or Boston) by the Inter- 
vention ol the Town of Roxbury. 

Then the Inhabitants of the Town were in part Necessitated, by 
their Reticular local situation and induced b}- the Union of all the 
Country Towns, to join with them in a Petition to be Annexed to 
the County of Norfolk — The prayer of the Petitioners was 
Granted, Since which two of the Country Towns have at their Own 
Request been set of to the County of Suffolk, Several Other Towns 
have Voted at their Meetings to Petition the General Court to be 
Reunited to the County of Suffolk, and the Town of Roxbury is 
included in the number, by which Brookline will be entirely Sepa- 
rate from every part of the County of Norfolk — The Centre of 
said County (and very probably the Shire Town) will be Removed 
to a greater distance from ws by a Reunion of the Towns near 
Boston to Suffolk, and we shall be United with but part of the 
Towns, with whom we Petitioned to be set of to the New County 
of Norffblk — therefore for these and man}- other obvious Reasons 
We Your Petitioners Humbly Pray that the Town of Brookline 
may be set of from the County of Norfolk and Reunited to the 
County of Suffolk, Provided that the Prayer of the other Petition- 



399 

ing Towns, (to be Rejoined to the County of Suffolk) shall be 
Granted 

And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray 
"Wm. Aspinwall Timothy Corey Stephen Sharp Committee in 
belialf of the Town of Brookliue 
a true Copy 

Stephen Sharp Tovrn Clerk 

Brooldine March M 1794 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, Mr. 
John Goddard was chosen Moderator, and the Town proceeded to 
the choice of the following Persons to serve as Town Officers the 
Year ensuing Namely, 

Upon the question, whether the number of Selectmen for the 
Year ensuing shall be five or three, it was voted that the number 
be three, and that thej- be chosen together — accordingly 

Capt'n Timothy Corey, Stephen Sharp and Isaac S. Gardner 
Esquire, were chosen Select men, & Declined Serving 

Stephen Sharp, was chosen Town Clerk, 

Mr. Ebenez'r Davis, Mr. Samuel Clark and Mr. Joseph Goddard 
were chosen Select men &, Declined Serving 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 

Eence Viewers Mr. John Harris Jun Mr. Edward K. Wolcott 

Surveyors of Highway's Mr. Benjamin Davis for the North 
District 

Mr. Caleb Gardner for the IMiddle District 

Mr. Wm. Winchester for the South District 

Mr. Daniel Descom for the New District 

Field Drivers INIr. John Harris Jun & Mr. Robert Sharp 

Surve3-or of Wood & Lumber Mr. Wm. King 

Sealer of Leather Mr. Jonas Tolman 

Ilogreaves Mr. Ebenezer Ayres Mr. David Hyslop & Mr. 
Thomas Persons. 

Voted to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes 



400 

Mr. Samuel Slack offers to serve as Constable & Collector of 
Taxes for eleaven pence on the pound on all Taxes he shall Collect 
for the ensuing Year 

Constable & Collector Mr. Samuel Slack was chosen Constable 
& and Collector of Taxes 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r Wm. Aspinwall Esquire, and Mr. John 
Harris, were chosen a Committee to Settle Mr. John Corey's 
account against the Town for Boarding Alexander Mc intosh 
Deceased 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd to Thursday next at one a 
Clock in this place 

and was adjournd accordingly 



Thursday March G 1794. the Inhabitants being meet accord- 
ing to adjournment of march 3d Mr. John Goddard being 
Moderator. 

Capt'n Timothy Corey. Mr. John Harris Jun'r and Mr. Nathan- 
iel Winchester were chosen Select men 

Isacc S. Gardner Esquire was chosen to serve on the School 
Committee in Room of Mr. John Goddard who Declined Serving 

Stephen Sharp was chosen on the Committee for examining 
Schools, in room of Mr. John Goddard who Declind Serving — and 
Isaac S. Gardner Esquire and Mr. Samuel Clark were chosen in 
addition to said Committee 

William Aspinwall Esquire, Mr. Edward K. Wolcott and Mr. 
Ebenez'r Davis, were chosen a Committee to Examin the Town 
Treasurers, and School Treasurers accounts and to report the state 
of the same to the Town at April Meeting 

Voted to Uaise the sum of one hundred pounds to Repair the 
Highways the present Year 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd without Day and was 
adjournd accordingl3^ 



401 

BroolcUne AjJi'il 1th 1794 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of giving in their votes for Governor, Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor, and Senators, as the Constitution of the Commonwealth 
Directs, the Inhabitants brought in tlicir votes as follows Viz. 
For a Governor 

27 Votes for his llon'r Samuel Addams 
2 - - the Ilon'le William Gushing 

1 - - Ilon'el Elbridge Gerry Esquires 
For a Lieutenant Governor 

23 ^'otes for the Ilon'el William Heath 
4 - - - onle Moses Gill 

2 - - for his Hon Samuel addams Esqrs 
For Senators 

23 Votes for the Ilon'el William Heath 
20 - - - - James Bowdoin 
19 - - - - JohnReid 
4 - - - - Stephen Medcalf 
2 - - - - Edward Robbins 
1 - - - - SethBulard 
1 - - - - Richard Cranck 
1 - - - - Ebenezer Wales Esquires 
Then Isaac S. Gardner Esquire was chosen Moderator 
Voted to Raise the Sum of three hundred and lift}- pounds on 
polls, Real and personal Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, 
and on nonresident possessors, to Defray the necessar}' charges 
of the Town. 

Voted that the Collector ])c directed, and he is hereby Directed 
to Collect and pa}- into the Treasur}-, one half the above sum by 
the last Day of November next, and the Remaining half by the 
first Da}- of May 1795 — and that he have no abatements affter sd 
first Day of Ma}-. 

William Aspinwall Esquire. Mr. John Goddard and Jonathan 



402 

Mavson Esquire, were chosen a Committee to Inquire into the 
mode of Taxing Woodland, agreeable to the last Tax act, and re- 
port their opinion thereon, to the Town at May meeting, — the 
Committee chosen the third day of march Ifist, to Examin John 
Corey's account for keeping Alexander Mc intash, report that it is 
Just and reassonable for the Town to allow the same 

Voted, that John Corej^'s Account for keeping Alexander Mc 
intash be allowed 

Jonathan Jackson was chosen surveyor of the highwa3's in Room 
of Caleb Gardner who Declind serving 

Voted, that Doct'r William Aspinwall have libert}' and he is 
herebj' granted liberty, to cut a window in his pew in the meeting 
house at his own expence 

Voted that Isaac S. Gardner Esquire, have liberty, and he is 
hereby granted libert}', to work out his highway Rate for the pres- 
ent 3'ear, on the Road Leading by his House. 

Voted, to Continue the School in the Brick School house until 
the 1st of Dec'r next. 

TJmrsday May 6. 1794 

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline, warn'd and assembled according to Law, — 
the Selectmen being Moderators 

Voted to choose some person to Represent this Town in the 
General Court the present year. 

The Inhabitants bruught in their Votes for a Representative and 
upon counting and sorting the same it appear'd that Doct'r Wil- 
liam Aspinwall was chosen to Represent this Town in the General 
Court the present year. 

Then Capt'n Timothy Core}* was chosen Moderator 

Voted, that the Select-men be a Committee to repair the School 
house in the south part of the Town as they think propper. 

Voted, that the Select men be directed to huy five Cords of 
Avood for the Rev'd .Joseph Jackson 



403 

Voted, to raise the sum of fifty pounds ou polls and Real and 
personal Estates of the inhabitants, and on Nonresident posses- 
sors, in addiliou to the three hundred and Fift}' pounds granted 
the 7th of April last. 

The Committee, chosen at the last Town meeting to inquire into 
the mode of Taxing wood land, Report as follows Viz 

The Committee appointed by the Town to enquire into the 
mode in which the Assessors taxed the woodland belonging to the 
inliabitants on the last Tax act, after examin'g their proceedings 
and the law of the Ciovernment, are of Opinion, that in estimating 
the woodland of the Town at six per cent upon the real value of 
it, they proceeded according to the meaning and letter of the Act, 
and that it was not the intention of the legislature to include 
woodland under the term unimproved land, and of consequence 
subject it to a tax of onh- two per cent, instead of six percent. 

Wm. Aspinwall John Goddard Jona. Mason Jun Committee 
Brookliue May 1st 17'J4 

Voted to accept the above Report 

Mr. Jonathan Hammond was Chosen Surveyor of the Highways 
for the Middle District, in Room of Mr. Jonathan Jackson 
who Declind Serving 

Jonathan Mason P^scpiire was Chosen a Delagate to meet Dela- 
gates from the several Towns in the Count}- of Norfolk, at the 
House of Mr. Henry Vose in Milton, on Thursday the fifteenth of 
]\[ay Inst, at ten a Clock in the forenoon, to Consult on Matters 
Respecting said County. 

July 2'2d 1794 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline at 
the House of Mr. Jonathan Dana 

Capt'n Timoth\' Corey was chosen Moderator 

Mr. Daniel Dana was chosen to serve as Grand Juror at (at) 
the Supreame Judicial Court to beholden at Dedham in the County 



404 



of Norfolk, on the Tuesday preceeding the last Tuesday in August 
next. 

Mr. John Heath was chosen to serve as petit Juror at said Court 
— then the Meeting was Dissolved. 

November M 1794 

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline — The Selectmen being Moderators — The 
Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Person to Represent the 
first middle District in the next Congress Viz. 
23 Votes for Charles Jarvis 
10 - - - The Hon'l Fisher Ames 
1 - - - - Hon'l William Heath Esquires 

William Aspinwall Esquire was chosen Moderator 

The Selectmen were chosen a Committee, to procure a plan of 
the Town agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court 

on the petition of George Cabot Esquire — 

Voted, that the said George Cabot be permitted to alter the 
direction of the Road Leading from the Meeting House to his 
Dwelling house in such a manner as that the said Road where it 
passes by said Dwelling house may be more distant from the same 
than it is at present — provided that the said alteration shall in 
no place exceed twent}- feet — shall in its whole extent not exceed 
twenty Roods •— and that the new Road shall at the expence of 
said Cabot be made as wide & as good as the old 

Jonathan Mason. William Aspinwall & Isaac S. Gardner 
Esquires, were chosen a Committee to obtain the Legacy left to the 
Town of Brookline by Nicholas Bojdston Esquire late of Boston 
Deceased 

Then the Meeting was adjourn'd without Day 
Attest 

Step'n Sharp Town Clerk 



405 



Brooklinr Monday ]\[(ux!i 9. 1795 

The Inliabitauts of this Town being this Day assembled at the 
Meeting House — Isaac S. Gardner Esquire being chosen moder- 
ator, tlie Town proceeded to the clioice of the following persons to 
serve as Town Officers for the 3-oar ensuing namely-. 

Town Clerk Stephen Shai-p was chosen Town Clerk 

Upon the question, whether the number of Selectmen for the 
3'car ensuing Shall be five or Three it was voted that the number 
be three, and that the}- be chosen altogether 

Selectmen Capt'n Timothy Core}', Mr. Nathaniel "Winchester 
and ]Mr. John Harris Jun, wei*e chosen Selectmen 

Town Trcas'r Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 

Fence Viewers Mr. Edward K. Wolcott and Mr. Samuel Slack 
were chosen fence Viewers. 

Surve3'ors of Highways Mr, John Robinson was chosen Sur- 
veyor of the Highways for the north District 

Mr. Ebenezer Heath for the middle District 

Mr. Caleb Craft for the South District, and Mr. Nathaniel Win- 
chester for the new District. 

Field Drivers Mr. Ebenezer A}Tes and Mr. Benjamin Haues 
were cliosen Field Drivers 

Surveyors of "Wood & Luiiib Mr. Eleazer Baker &, Mr. Eben- 
ezer "Webb were chosen Surveyors of Wood & Lumber. 

Sealer of Leath'r Mr. Jonas Tolman was chosen Sealer of 
Leather 

Hogreaves Mr. Enas "Witliington. Mr. John Aspinwall <fe Mr. 
Ebenezer Ayres were chosen Hogreaves. 

Voted, to hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes. 

i\[r. Elijah Child offers to serve the Town as Constable and 
Collector of Taxes the ensuing 3'ear, for one shilling and three 
pence on the pound on all Taxes he shall collect allowing a Deduc- 
tion of ten ponce on the pound to all such persons as Discharge 
their Tax Bills the first time he shall call for the same after their 
52 



406 

Bills are presented ; also to Collect all Taxes on single Polls for 
five pence on the pound 

The Town accept his Offer, and make choice of him as their 
Constable and Collector of Taxes for the ensuing year 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Countj^ Treasurer, 
and upon counting and sorting the same their appeard to be 
Twenty six Votes for Deacon Isaac Bullard 

Voted that the article in the Warrant in Regard to the Com- 
plaint made to the Court of Sessions by Mr. Caleb Craft and 
others in Regard to taxes on Woodland, be refered til, next April 
Meeting 

Voted that the article in the Warrant in regard to taking a new 
Valuation be refer' d til next april Meeting 

Voted to keep a school Eight Months from the first Day of 
April next, in the Brick School house 

Voted to pa}^ one half the expences of the the Repairs of the 
Fire Engine in filter 

Voted to Raise the sum of One Hundred Pounds for the purpose 
of Repairing the Highways the present year 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline April Qth 1795 

At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
in the County and District of Norfolk in the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts, qualified by the Constitution of said Common- 
wealth, to Vote for Governor Lieutenant Governor, Senators and 
Representatives the said Meeting being warned as the said Consti- 
tution Directs, and holden on the Sixth Day of April, being the 
First Monday of said Month A.D. 1795, for the purpose of giving 
in their votes for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of said Com- 
monwealth, and Senators and Counsellors for sd District 

Votes for the following persons were given in counted and 



407 

sorted, and Record and Declaration tliereof made as by the said 
Constitution is Directed Viz. 

Governor 

20 Votes for his Excellenc}' Samuel Addams Esq'r 

Lieut. Governor 
22 Votes for his Hon'r Moses Gill Esquire 
Senators and Counsellors 

21 Votes for the Ilon'le James Bowdoin 
15 - - - - Stephen Medcalf 
13 ... - SethBullard 

11 - . _ - Richard Cranch 
9 .... John Reed 
3 ... - Edward Robbins Esquires 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

BrooMine April 6th 1795 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of said Brookline Warnd and 
Assembled according to Law. 

Isaac S. Gardner Esquire was chosen Moderator 

"William Aspinwall Esquire, Col Thomas Aspinwall, and Mr. 
Edward K. Wolcott were chosen a Committee to Examin the 
Town Treasurers and School Treasurers accounts, and Lay an 
account of perticulars before the Town 

Mr. John Goddard, "William Aspinwall and Jonathan Mason 
Esquires, were chosen Agents to Support the cause of the Town 
against the Petition of Mr. Caleb Craft and others, to the Court 
of Sessions, in Regard to Taxes on Woodland in 1793. 

Voted, that the article in the Warrant in Regard to Taking a 
new Valuation be referd to some futer Meeting 

Voted that this Meeting be adjournd without Day — and was 
adjournd accordingly. 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



408 



Brookline May 6, 1795 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, 
for the purpose of collecting the sentiments of the Inhabitants, 
in regard to a revision of the Constitution in order for amend- 
ment 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes, and upon counting and 
sorting the same there appeared to be Eleaveu Votes for a 
Eevision and Eleaven Votes against a Revision 

Vqted, to choose a Representative 

William Aspinwall Escjuire was chosen to Represent this Town 
at the General court apointed to be Convened and held at Boston 
on the last Wednesday of Ma}^ next. 

Then Isaac S. Gardner Esquire was chosen Moderator 

Voted to Raise Three hundred and Twenty Five Pounds on 
Polls and Estates, to Defra}' the charges of the Town the current 
Year. 

Voted to Raise the Sum of One hundred and Fifty Pounds on 
Polls and Estates, to Discharge the Towns Debts on Interest, in 
part 

Voted that said sura of one hundred & flftj' pounds be paid out 
of the first money that shall be paid in to the Treasury'. 

Voted that this Town will not give the Estate of Nehemiah 
Davis Deceas'd, to Elizabeth Davis 

Voted to allow the North District to Draw twelve Pounds out 
of the Treasury to repair the Bridge near the Punch Bool Tavern. 

Voted that the Collector be Directed, and he is hereb3^ Directed 
not to call on the Inhabitants for their Taxes before the first Mon- 
day in November next. 

Voted not to Accept of the Lane Leading from the Town Road 
to the House of Mr. John Harris Jun as a Town Road 

Then the meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



409 



October 21th 1795. 
At a meeting of tha inhabitants of tlie Town of Brooklinc 
"William Aspinwall Esquire was chosen Moderator 
Yotcd, to take a vaUiation of tlie Real Estates in said Town 
Voted that a Committee of FiA'e persons be chosen (be chosen 

for the purpose of taking sd valuation Mr. Caleb Craft, Stephen 

Sharp, Isaac S. Gardner Esquire. Mr. Ebenez'r Davis, and Mr. 

Joseph Goddard were chosen a Committee to take a valuation of 

all the Real Estates in said Town. 
Voted, that the taxes for the present Year be made from the 

valuation already' taken 
Voted, that this Meeting be adjornd without day. 
and was adjornd accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

BrooUine Monday March \Uh 1796 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
at the meeting house, warnd and assembled according to law. 

William Aspiiiwall Esquire was chosen Moderator 

then the following persons were chosen Town Officers for the 
Year ensuing 

Town Clerk Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

Select men & Assessors Stephen Sharp Isaac S. Gardner 
Esquire Mr. Joseph Goddard 

Town Treasurer Stephen Sharp 

Fence Viewers Mr. Edward K. Wolcott Mr. Ebenezer 
Richards 

Surveyors of HighwaA-s Mr. Edward K. AVolcott for the North 
District 

Mr. William Ackers for the middle District 

Mr. John Harris for the south District 

]\Ir. John Core}' for the fourth District 

Field drivers Mr. Bejamin Davis Mr. Jonathan Hammond 



410 

Surveyors of Wood & Lumber Mr. Thayer Mr. Elijah 

Child Mr. Jonas Tolman 

Hogreaves Mr. Daniel Larnaixl Mr. Ebenezer Richards 

Pound keeper Mr. Ebenezer Heath 

Constable Voted to hire a suitable person to serve as Constable 
and Collector of Taxes this Year 

Mr. Elijah Child offers to serve as Constable and Collector of 
Taxes for one shilling and three pence on the pound on all Taxes 
he shall Collect — allowing a Deduction of ten pence on the pound 
to all who discharge their Taxes by the first Day of January next 
provided he be approved and chosen by the Town, 

Mr. Elijah Child was chosen Constable and Collector of Taxes 

Firewards William Aspinwall Esquire & Capt'n Sam'el Croft 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Countj' Treasurer, 
and they were sorted and counted by the Moderator and Town 
Clerk, and there appear'd to be thirty three votes for Dea'n Isaac 
BuUard 

The Inhabitants brought in their votes for a County Register, 
and they were counted and sorted by the Moderator and Town 
Clerk, and their appeared to be thirty one votes for Eliphalet Pond 
Esquire. 

Voted, to fence the Bur3'ing Ground 

Mr. John Goddard. Capt'n Samuel Croft and Mr. Samuel Clark 
were chosen a Committee to fence the Burjdng Ground — and 
authorised to agree with Mr. Samuel Clark in regard to the line 
where said Fence ought to be set, 

Mr. Ebenez'r Davis, Mr. Edward K. Wolcott and William 
Aspinwall Esquire were chosen a Committee to examin the Town 
Treasurers and School Treasurers accounts, and la}' an account of 
perticulars before the Town. 

Voted, that Col Thomas Aspinwall have libert}', and he is 
hereby granted libert}' to work out his highway Tax this Year on 
the Road leading from Cambridge Road to his House. 



411 

Voted, to give the Personal Estate of Nehemiah Davis Deceas'd 
to Elizabeth Davis, • 

Voted, that the Schools in this Town be continued as usual. 
Then the meeting was dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Monday April ith 179G 
At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, 
qualified to vote for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senators and 
Representatives the said Meeting being warnd as the Constitution 
directs, being the first Monda}' of April A.D. 179G. For the 
purpose of giving in their votes for Governor and Lieutenant 
Governor and Senators. 

Votes for the following Persons were given in, counted and 
sorted. Viz 

Governor 
28 Votes for his Excellenc}' Samuel Adams Esquire 

13 - Hon'l Increase Sumner Esquire 
1 Vote for Hon'l Elbridge Gerrj-^ Esquire 

Lieutenant Governor 
33 Votes for His Hon'r Moses Gill Esquire 
14- . - - Hon'le William Heath Esquire 
4 - - - Hon'le Elbridge Gerrj- Esquire 
Senators 
32 Votes for Hon'le John Reed Esquire 
28 - - - James Bowdoiu Esquire 
21 - - - Seth Bullard Esquire 

14 - - - William Aspinwall Esquire 
G - - - Ebencz'r Thayer Esquire 

4 - - - Stephen Medcalf Esquire 

3 - - - Oliver P^verett Esquire 

1 - - - Ellexander Ilodgdon Esquire 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



412 

Monday April Uh 1796 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warn'd and Assembled according to Law 

Stephen Sharp, was chosen Moderator 

Voted, to raise five hundred Dollars for the purpose of repairing 
the highwa3's the insuing Year 

Voted that one Dollar pr Day, or nine pence pr hour be allowed 
for work done on the highwa3-s 

Voted, that the Assessors be directed, and the}^ are hereby 
directed to Asses the highwaj' Tax from the valuation taken the 
last Year 

Voted, to choose a Committee of three persons to examin the 
Road leading from the House of Isaac S. Gardner Esquire to little 
Cambridge 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall. Mr. Ebenez'r Davis and Mr. Caleb 
Craft, were chosen to serve on said Committee 

Col. Thomas Aspinwall, declind Serving and Mr. John Heath 
was chosen in his Room. 

Voted, to adjorn this meeting without da}^ 

BrooMine May 9th 1796 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, 
holden on the Ninth Day of May 1796. 

Voted to choose a Representative 

Wm. Aspinwall Esquire was chosen Representative 

Then Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator 

Voted to Exchang the Town Road Leading from the House of 
Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r to Little Cambridge, with John Lucas 
Esquire for Land Sufficient to make a Road through his ground to 
said Little Cambridge 

Mr. John Heath. Isaac S. Gardner & Jonathan Mason Esquires 
were chosen a Committee to Stake out said Road through the Land 
of said John Lucas Esq'r 



413 

Voted to Raise the sum of Five hundred and Twenty pounds, on 
Polls «k on Real. and Personal Estates of the Inhabitants and Non- 
resident possessors, for the purpose of Discharging the Towns 
Debts, and Defraying the necessary charges of the Town the pres- 
ent Year. 

Then Mr. Samuel Griggs was chosen Surve^'or of the highways 
for the North District in room of Mr. Edward K. Wolcott 

A^otod that this Meeting be dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



Brookliiie August 29th 1796 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 29th da}' of August 1790. 

Mr. John Goddard was chosen Moderator 

Voted to choose a Committee of three Persons to Supply the 
Pulpit til next march meeting. 

Wm. Aspinwall and Isaac S. Gardner Esquires & Mr. David 
Hyslop were chosen a committee for the purpose of supplying the 
Pulpit til next March Meeting. 

Voted that the Town Treasurer be directed and he is- hereby 
directed to hire a Sum of money. Sufficient to Settle the deficienc}^ 
of the salary of the Rev'd Joseph Jackson Dec'd 

Voted that this Meeting be Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



Monday Ocfr 1th 179G 
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, 
qualified to vote for Representatives to the General Court of this 
Commonwealth, legally assembled for the purpose of giving in 
their votes, for an Elector of President and Vice President of the 
United States, also for a Representative in Congress for tlie first 
63 



414 

middle District. Votes for the following Persons were given in, 
Namely 

For Electors, Ten Votes for his Exc. Samuel Addams Esq'r 
Twenty three votes for his Hon James Bowdoin Esq'r 
For a Representative, Fourteen votes for James Bowdoin 
Esq'r and Twenty votes for Harrison Gray Otis Esquire 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

BrooUine JSTov'r 7. 1796 
At a meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Brookliue 
holden on the 7th Day of Nov'r 1796. 
Mr. John G-oddard was chosen moderator 

Voted, to keep three Schools four months from the first of 
December next, as usual 

The Selectman were chosen a committee to repair school houses 
Then the meeting was dissolved. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Decem'r 20. 1796. 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 20th Day of December 1796. for the purpose of 
knowing whether the Congregation would concur with the choice 
the Church made at their meeting holden on the 13th Inst, of Mr. 
John Pierce for a Gospel Minister to settle in this Town ; 

Also to know whether the Town will make appropriation for his 
settlement and Salary &c 

Wm. Aspinwall Esquire was chosen Moderator 

The Inhabitants gave in their votes and upon counting the 
same it appeared that Mr. John Pierce was unanimously chosen. 

Voted unanimously to give Mr. John Pierce Five hundred Dol- 
lars as a Gratuity or settlement. 

Voted unanimously, to give Mr. John Pierce four hundred Dol- 
lars and sixteen Cords of wood Deliv'd at his Door, or one hundred 



415 

& six Dollars sixt}' six tenths & seven mills, in lieu of the 
wood, also the use of the Parsonage House Barn &. C. annually, 
for his salary- so long as he shall continue to be Our Minister — 
provided he shall accept Our invitation to settle with Us 

Then Stephen Sharp and Mr. Ebenezer Heath were chosen a 
Committee to Join the Committee Chosen by the Church, to Avait 
on Mr. Pierce, with a Cop}' of the proceedings of the Church and 
Congregation, and invite hiua to settle in this Town and be Our 
Minister 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

February 6. 1797 

At the meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline, 
at the brick School house, warud & assembled according to Law — 
For the purpose of receiving the report of the Committee appoint- 
ed to wait on Mr. John Pierce & acquaint him of the proceedings 
of the church &. congregation, and to transact & do any thing 
relative to the Settlement of a Minister 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator 

Mr. Pierce's answer being read a copy of wliicli is as follows, 
viz. 

To the Church and Town of Brookline 
Christian Friends 

Having taken your proposals into serious and attentive consid- 
eration, and sought such counsel and direction, as the importance 
of the subject demands, I take this opportunity to inform you that 
I accept 3'our invitation to settle with you in the ministr}'. 

As to that part of the terms, which you have left optional with 
me, my choice is to receive the wood. 

From the kindness you as a town, have alwaA's discovered 
towards your ministers as well, as from the unanimity, which has 
marked all your proceedings respecting me, I trust \o\\ will ever 



416 

make provision for my comfortable support " so long as I shall 

continue to be 3' our Minister." 

That your brotherly love may continue & increase, that no root 

of bitterness springing up ma}^ disturb your harmony, that you 

may grow in grace, in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior 

Jesus Christ, and improve in every Christian virtue, is Ihe fervent 

wish and shall ever be the constant aim of your servant in the 

Lord 

John Pierce. 
Brookline January 1st 1797 

To Doct'r William Aspinwall Isaac S. Gardner Esq Mr. David 
Hyslop Committee of the Church 

Mr. Stephen Sharp Mr. Ebenezer Heath Committee of the 
Town 

To be communicated to the Church and Town of Brookline. 

Voted, unanimously' to accept the answer of Mr. John Pierce 

Voted, that Mr. John Pierce be Ordained the third Wednesda}^ 
in march next at two a Clock in the afternoon 

Voted, to choose a committee of three Persons, to provide a 
house & furnish a table for the Counsel and Mr. Pierce's friends 

Mr. David Hyslop, John Lucas Esquire, & Mr. Ebenez'r Davis, 
were chosen a Committee, to provide a house & furnish a table 
for the counsel, & Mr. Pierce's friends on Mr. Pierce's Ordination 
Day 

Voted to allow said Committee the sum of Fift}- Dollars and as 
much more as they shall find it necessarj' to expend to provide a 
dinner for the Counsel, and Mr. Pierce's Friends on said Ordina- 
tion Day 

Mr. James Holden, Mr. Samuel Clark, & Mr. Samuel Slack, 
were chosen a Committee to prop the Gallaries in the meeting 
house, on said Ordination Day 

Voted that the Town Treasurer, be directed & he is herebj^ 
directed to hire the sum of five hundred Dollars in behalf of the 
Town to pay Mr. John Pierce, his Gratuity or Settlement 



417 

Voted, to reserve Mr. Wolcot's. Mr. Jackson's Mr. Boylstons. 
& Mr. Unvis's Pews, and the body seats, for the Ministers & 
Delagates, on said ordination Da}-. 

Voted to reserve the fore seat in the said Gallary, For the 
Chnrch, and the singers seats for the singers on saiil Ordination 
Day. 

Mr. Elijah Child was chosen to keep said pews & seats for the 
aforesaid purpose, and Directed to hire assistanee at the expence 
of the Town. 

William Aspinwall Esquire was chosen to obtain liberty of the 
owners of said pews for the aforesaid purpose. 

Voted, that this meeting be adjournd without Da}-. 

And was adjournd accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

March 6. 1797, 
At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 

at the Brick School house, holden on the G. Day of March 1797. 

"William Aspinwall Esquire being chosen Moderator, — the Town 

proceeded to the choice of the following persons to Serve as Town 

Officers for the Year ensuing Namely 

Town Clerk Stephen Sharp was chosen Tow^i Clerk 
Selectmen & Assessors Stephen Sharp. Isaac S. Gardner 

Esquire and Mr. Joseph Goddard were chosen Selectmen & 

Assessors 

Fence view'rs Mr. Daniel Larnard «k Mr. Jonathan Hammond 

were chosen Fence viewers. 

Town Treas'r Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 
Surveyors of Roads Capt'n Samuel Croft for the North 

District 

Mr. Jonathan Jackson for the Middle District 

Mr. Ebenez'r A3Tes for the South District 

Mr. Nathaniel Winchester for the Fourth District 



418 

Field drivers Mr. Jonas Tolman and Mr. Ebenez'r Richards 
chosen Field drivers. 

Survej^ors of "Wood & Lumber Mr. James Holden and Mr. 
Elijah Child were chosen Surveyors of Wood and Lumber. 

Sealer of Leather Mr. Jonas Tolman was chosen Sealer of 
Leather • 

Hogreaves Mr. Jonathan Dana ; Mr. Solomon Alden, and 
Mr. Ebenez'r Ayres, were chosen Hogreaves 

Pound keep'r Mr. Jonathan Jackson 

Firewards Capt'n Samuel Croft and Mr. Ebenez'r Davis were 
chosen Fire wards. 

Clerk of the market Mr. Jonathan Dana was chosen Clerk of 
the Market. 

Voted to hire a Constable & Collector of Taxes 

Constable & Collect'r of Taxes Mr. Elijah Child offers to serve 
as Constable and Collector of Taxes for one shilling & nine pence 
on the pound on all taxes he shall Collect. — allowing a deduction 
of fourteen pence on the pound to all persons who discharge their 
Taxes by the first Day of Jan next provided he be approved & 
chosen by the^Town 

Mr. Elijah Child was chosen Constable and Collector of Taxes 

William Aspinwall Esq'r Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r & Mr. Ebenezer 
Davis were chosen a Committee to Examin the Town Treasurers 
& School Treasurers accounts and lay an account of perticulars 
before the Town < 

Voted to raise the Sum of Five hundred Dollars to repair the 
highways the ensuing Year 

Voted, that the highway Tax be assessed on the valuation taken 
last year — and that one Dollar pr Da}' or nine pence pr hour be 
allowed for work done on the highwa3'S 

The Inhabitants brought in their votes for a County Treasurer 
& they were counted by the moderator & town clerk and there 
appeared to be twenty Six votes for Isaac Bullard 



419 

Capt'n Timotln- Core}- & Capt'n Saiu'el Croft were a Commit- 
tee to Join the Committee appointed b}* the Chm-ch 

Capt'n Timothj'^ Core}' and Capt'n Samuel Croft were chosen a 
Committee to Join a Committee appointed b}^ the Church to wait 
on the Counsel witli a Cop}' of the the proceedings of tlie Church 
and town respecting Mr. John Pierce 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

The Rev. John Pierce was Ordained to the Pastoral care of the 
Church and Congregation in this Town March loth 17U7. 

Ajjril del 1797. 

At a meeting of the male inhabitants of the Town of Brookliue, 
qualified to vote for Covernor Lieutenant Governor Senators & 
Representatives the said meeting being warnd as the Constitution 
directs, being the first monday of Aprill A.D. 1797. for the pur- 
pose of giving in their votes for Governor Lieutenant Governor & 
Senators 

Votes for the following persons were given in counted and 

Sorted Namely 

Governor 

27 votes for Hon. James Sullivan 
11 " " " Increase Sumner 

1 vote for his Hon'r INIoses Gill 

Lieutenant Governor 
1 1 votes for his hon'r Moses Gill 

28 - - - - Hon. William Heath 

Senators 
36 votes for Hon. Seth Bullard 
35 - - - Dr. William Aspinwall 

4 - - - Hon Fisher Ames 

3 Stephen Medcnlf 

33 John Read — Esquires 



420 

Monday April 3cZ 1797. 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookliue, 

Isaac S. Gardner Esquire was chosen Moderator 

Voted, to excuse Capt'n Samuel Croft from serving as Surveyor 
of the highways. 

Mr. Amasa Ellis was chosen Surveyor of the Highways for the 
North District, in room of Capt'n Samuel Croft 

Mr. Ebeuez'r Davis was chosen clerk of the Market in room of 
Mr. Jonathan Dana, who declind Serving 

Mr. Joshua Griggs. & Mr. Ebeuez'r Heath were chosen Fire- 
wards in addition to the two chosen at March meeting. 

Voted, that four Stalves suitable for Firewards be provided at 
the expence of the Town. 

Voted, that the article in the warrant in regard to Drawing 
Money out of the Treasur^^ to repair the new Road Leading from 
Brookliue to Cambridge be referd to the next Town meeting. 

Brookline May 18tk 1797. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 18th Day of May 1797. the Selectmen being 
Moderators 

Voted to choose a person to represent this Town in the General 
Court the present Year 

Wm. Aspinwall Esquire was chosen to represent this Town in 
the general Court appointed to be convened and held at Boston 
on the last Wednesday of May Inst. 

Then Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator 

Voted to allow the Middle District Fifty Dollars to expend on 
the new road leading from Brookliue to little Cambridge 

Voted that this Town will bear one half the expences of the 
new waggon for conve^'ing the Fire Engine 

The Selectmen were chosen a Committee to remove the dirt 
from the sels of the Belfrey 



421 

Mr. Enos Withington was chosen Surveyer of Roads in room of 
Mr. Amasa Ellis 

The Committee appointed bj- the Town to examin the Towns 
accounts, laid an account of perticulars before the Town. 

V^oted that the report of the above Committee is acceptable to 
the Town. 

Voted to Raise the sum of five hundred pounds in the usual way 
to defra}' the charges of the Town the present Year. 

The Selectmen laid an account of the expences of the Funeral 
of the late Rev'd Mr. Jackson Dec'd before the Town, to the 
amount of sixty one Dollars & fourteen Cents — which was 
allowed b}^ the Town. 

BrooJdme Oct'r 6 1797 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden the 6. Day of Oct'r 1797. — to know whether the Town or 
an}- Individual in the Town, would subscribe the sum of three 
Thousand Dollars for a fund to support the Count}' Acadam}', 
provided it may be located in the Town of Brookline, & chose a 
Committee to Petition the General Court, & Courts Committee to 
locate the said Acadam}- in this Town, 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator 

Voted that this Town will not subscribe the sum of three thou- 
sand Dollars for a fund to support the County Acadamy 

Voted, that this Town will Petition the General Court that the 
County Acadamy may be located in this Town, provided that any 
individual will subscribe said sum of three thousand Dollars. 

"William Aspinwall Esquire subscribed the sum of thi'ee Thou- 
sand Dollars as a Fund for the support of the County Acadamy 
provided it may be located in this Town, to be paid in tlie follow- 
ing manner, viz. To Give to the Trustees of said Acadamy (when 
appointed) a Good warrantee Deed of a well Finis'd house Forty 
two feet long, thirty six feet wide. & three Stories high, with one 
64 



422 

acre of land adjoining situate at tlie East part of tlie Farm he 
now lives on, the same to be A prised bj- the said Courts Commit- 
tee or by some Person or Persons mutually chosen by the said 
Committee & the said Aspinwall, and if the said house and Land 
shall be appraised for less than three thousand Dollars, the re- 
mainder to be paid (to the Trustees) in Money 

Voted that William Aspinwall Esquire, Isaac S. Gardner 
Esquire and Stephen Sharp be a Committee to Petition the Gen- 
eral Court & Courts Committee that the County Acadamy may be 
located in this Town. 

Voted to Choose a Committee of five persons to Petition his 
Excellency the Governor to appoint a Board of Officers to settle 
the rank between the Regiment to which this Town belongs, and 
Boston Regiment, or by some other means to restore the Regi- 
ment to which this Town belongs to its former Honourable Rank. 

Voted that William Aspinwall Esquire, Col. Thomas Aspinwall, 
Isaac S. Gardner Esquire Stephen Sharp and Mr. Ebenez'r Davis 
be a Committee for the above said purpose. 

Voted to excuse Mr. John Heath from serving as Jury man in 
futer. 

Voted to detach Eleaven Men from the Militia of this Town, 
agreeably to (to) the Orders of Brigadeer General Gill of the 5th 
of Sept'r last. 

Brookline March 12th 1798 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of 
Brookline holden on the 12th Day of March 1798, at the Brick 
School House 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator 

Voted to choose three Selectmen, and that they be chosen 
altogether, 

Stephen Sharp Isaac S. Gardner Esquire, & Joseph Goddard 
were chosen Selectmen & Assessors 



423 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 

Capt. Samuel Croft was chosen Surveyor of Roads for the 
North District, — Ebenez'r Kiciiards for the nii(hlle District. — 
Elijah Child for the South District and Daniel Dascombe for the 
fourth District 

James lloldeu and Samuel Slack were chosen Field Drivers. 

Zepheniah Thayer & Elijah Child were Chosen Surveyors of 
wood & Lumber 

Jonas Tolmau was chosen Sealer of Leather 

William Ackers, and Elijah Corey were chosen Hogreaves. 

Ebenezer Davis was chosen Clei'k of the market 

Jonathan Jackson was chosen Pound keeper 

Joshua Griggs. Ebenez'r Davis, Ebenez'r Heath & Capt'n 
Samuel Croft were chosen Firewards 

John Aspinwall and Jonathan Hammond were chosen Fence 
viewers 

Elijah Child offers, to serve as Constable and Collector of Taxes 
for two shillings on the Pound, allowing a deduction of one shil 
ling ct Eight pence on the Pound to all who pay their Taxes by the 
first Da}- of Jan. next. 

The Town accept his offer and choose him Constable and Col- 
lector of Taxes for the Ensuing Year 

Voted, that William Aspinwall Esquire. Mr. Ebenezer Heath & 
Isaac S. Gardner Esquire be a Committee to Examin the Town 
Treasurers & School Treasurers Accounts and to make report of 
the debt and Credit of the Town at May meeting 

Voted, to raise the sum of five hundred , Dollars to repair the 
Highways, to be Assessed and paid in the same way the highway 
Tax was last Year. 

Voted, that the article in the warrant in regard to the Pew of 
the late Nathaniel Seaver Dcc'd be refered til Ai)ril meeiing 

Voted, that William Aspinwall Esquire Mr. Daniel Dana. & 
Mr. Caleb Craft be a Committee to examin into the State of the 



424 



Pews in the meeting house, and to report their opinion thereon at 
next april meeting 

Voted, to Sell the Seats in the front of the the Woman's 
Galleries in the meeting house 

Voted that Mr, Ebenez'r Davis. Mr. Nathaniel Murdoch and Mr. 
Zepheniah Thaj^er be a Committee to see how many pews the 
Seats in the front of the Womens Gallery will make and report 
their Opinion thereon at next April Meeting 

Then the Meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



Brookline April 2d 1798 

At a Meeting of the quallified voters of the Town of Brookline, 
being warned as the Constitution directs being the first monda}^ 
in April AD. 1798. for the purpose of giving in their votes for a 
Governor. Lieutenant Governor & Senators. 

Votes for the following Persons were given in Counted and 

sorted Namely 

For a Governor 
15 Votes for his Excellency Increase Sumner Esquire 
14 " for the Hon William Heath Esquire 

For a Lieutenant Governor 
31 Votes for his Hon'r Moses Gill Esquire 
2 " " the Hon'l Wiliam Heath Esquire 

For Senators 
25 Votes for the Hon'l Seth Bullard 



22 


i (( 






John Reed 


22 


U (( 






William Aspinwall 


14 


(; (( 






Stephen Medcalf 


10 


( (( 






Oliver Everett 


3 


.( u 






Ebenezer Thayer 


2 


( (( 






David S. Greenough 


1 ' 


( u 






Ebenezer Seaver. Esquires 








Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



425 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklinc 
holden on the 2d day of April 1798 — 

Steplien Sharp was chosen moderator — 

The committee chosen last March meeting to examine into the 
state of the wall pews in the Meeting house. Report — 

Voted, to accept the report of said Committee 

Voted, to choose a committee of five persons to examine further 
into the state of the pews in the meeting house and report their 
opinion in regard to the present state of each particular pew at 
next Ma}- meeting- 
Then William Aspinwall Esq. Mr. Daniel Dana Mr. Caleb Craft 
Mr. John Goddard & Capt Samuel Croft were chosen a committee 
to examine into the state of the pews and report at May meeting — 

Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to Employ some person to 
Copy the Old Record at the Expense of the Town 

The committee appointed last March meeting to examine the 
seats in front of the Women's Gallery report that there is suffi- 
cient room for four pews — 

Voted To accept the report of said committee and that the said 
seats be sold at Ma}' meeting to the highest Bidder — 

Voted, to divide the North District into Two Districts. Capt. 
Timoth}- Corey, Deacon Clark and Ebenczer Davis were chosen a 
committee to divide said district and to make a Return of their 
doings to the Selectmen as soon as may be. 

Joshua Griggs chosen surveyor of said new district. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Cler. 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line holden on the 9th day of April 1798. 

To know whether the Inhabitants of said Town would petition 
the Congress of the United States against Authorizing Merchants 
to Arm their ships — 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator. 



426 

Voted To petition Congress of the United States against 
Authorizing Merchants to arm their ships. 

William Aspinwall Esquire, Stephen Sharp and Isaac S. Gardner 
Esquire were chosen a committee to draft, sign and forward a 
petition for that purpose to Congress. 

The meeting was then dissolved. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Cler. 

At A meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 14th day of May 1798 The Selectmen being 
moderators. 

Voted To choose a person to Represent this Town in the General 
Court the present Year. 

William Aspinwall Esquire was chosen. 

Then Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator. 

The committee appointed to examine the Towns accounts, 
reported which was accepted by the Town. 

Voted To raize £450 to pay the Eev'd Mr. Peirce his Sallary 
and defray the charges of the Town. 

The report of the committee for examining into the state of the 
Pews was read. 

Voted That the Town consider the state of the Pews seperatel}'. 

Voted To sell ihe Pew of the late Mr Nathaniel Seaver 
(Deceased) 

Voted That the Pew of the late Mr. Seaver (Dec'd) together 
with all pews the Town may deem forfeited, and the seats in front 
of the women's gallery be sold at Vendue in this place on Monday 
next at four Oclock in the afternoon. 

Voted To give Deeds in fee simple of Pews and Pew spots sold 
by the Town. 

Voted That the Selectmen be a committee to give Deeds of 
Pews and Pewspots which may be sold by the Town and pa^' the 
money they receive for the same into the Town Treasury'. ^ part 



427 

to be paid down and the remainder in lour months from the time 
of Sale, the purchasers giving security for the same. 

Voted To give the sum the Selectmen may receive for the Pew 
of Nathaniel Seaver (Dec'd) to the Widow Sarah Seaver which is 
to be drawn out of the Town Treasury in such sums and at such 
times as the Selectmen may think proper. 

Voted William Aspinwall Esquire, Capt. Corey & Deacon Clark, 
be a committee to examine further into the state of the Pews at 
the Expense of the Town and report at November meeting. 

Voted That William Aspinwall Esquire, Isaac S. Gardner Esq. 
and Joseph Goddard be a committee to request his Excellency the 
Governor to restore the Regiment to which this Town belongs to 
its former rank. 

The meeting was then adjourned without day. 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Cler. 

May 21. 1798 The Inhabitants being met agreable to a vote of 
the Town passed the lith May current for the purpose of selling 
pews and seats in the Women's Galleries. 

The Pew of Nathaniel Seaver (Dec'd) was struck of to Jonathan 
Mason Esq. for Two hundred and fifty dollars he being the 
Highest bidder. 

Pew No. 1. in the Gallery was struck of to Ebenezer Davis for 
Forty two dollars he being the Highest bidder. 

Pew spot No. 1. was bid of by Zepheniah Thayer for Fifteen 
dollars and fifty cents, he being the highest bidder. 

Pew spot No. 2. was bid of by James Holden for Eleven dollars 
he being the Highest bidder. 

Pew spot No. 3. was bid of by Zephcuiiah Thayer for Twenty 
seven dollars and fifty cents he being the Highest bidder. 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Cler. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 5th day of November 1798. for the purpose of giving 



428 

in their votes for a Representative in the Congress of the United 
States for the first middle District. Votes for the following 
persons were given in connted and sorted, and declaration thereof 
made as follows. — Namely. 

34 Votes for the Hon. Will'm Heath Esq. 

26 " " " " Harrison G. Otis Esq. 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Cler. 

November 5. 1798. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline 

William Aspinwall Esq. was chosen moderator. 

Voted That the schools be kept through the winter season as 
Usual. 

Voted Thai the Request of Mr. Higginson relative to Altering 
the wall opposite Jonathan Jackson's House be submitted to the 
Selectmen. 

Voted That the Article in the Warrant to Receive the report of 
the Committee relative to Pews be referred to March meeting. 

Mr. Ebenezer Davis was chosen to collect the Towns stock of 
Arms Ammunition, etc. and take charge of the same. 

The meeting then adjourned without day. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Cler. 

Monday March 4. 1799 — At a meeting of the Freeholders 
and other Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline at the Brick 
school house. 

The following persons were chosen to serve as Town Officers the 
Ensuing Year namel3\ 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator. 

Voted To choose Three Selectmen and Assessors and that they 
be chosen all together. 

Stephen Sharp, Isaac S. Gardner Esquire and Joseph Goddard 
were chosen Selectmen & Assessors but declined serving. 



429 

Stephen Sharp, Cnpt. Samuel Cioll & Deacon Samuel Clark 
were chosen Selectmen & Assessors. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer. 

Mr. Elijah Corey was chosen surveyor of the Ilighwa^-s for the 
first North District. Mr. Daniel Larned for the Second North Dis- 
trict, Colo. Isaac. S. Gardner for the Middle District Mr. Amasa 
Ellis for the first South district, Mr, Sam'l Slack for the Second 
South District Mr. Samuel Slack & Mr. Jonas Tolman were 
chosen field Drivers. 

Mr. Zephemiah Thayer and Mr. Nath'l Murdock were chosen 
surveyors of Wood & Lumber. 

Mr. Eliphald Spurr & Mr. Joseph White were chosen 
Hogreaves. 

Mr. Eleazer Baker was chosen Clerk of the Market. 

Mr. Jonathan Jackson was chosen Pound Keeper. 

Mr. Ebenezer Davis, Capt. Sath'l Croft, Mr. Ebeuezer Heath 
and Mr. Joshua Griggs vcere chosen Firewards. 

Mr. Benja. Davis Mr. Caleb Gardner were chosen Fence 
viewers. 

Mr. Ebenezer Davis & Mr. Joshua Griggs were chosen Tyth- 
ingmen. 

Voted To hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes, for 1 \10 on 
the pound allowing a deduction of 1 \G on the pound to all persons 
who pay their Taxes by the 1st daj- of January next. 

Mr. Elijah Child was chosen Constable & Collector. 

Doct William Aspinwall, Colo. Isaac. S. Gardner and Capt 
Joseph Goddard were chosen a Committee to Examine the l^own 
Treasurers and School Treasurer Accts. 

Voted To raize Five hundred dollars to repair the Ilighwaj-s the 
present j'ear, to be assessed on the last year's valuation and paid 
as Usual. 

Voted To raize the sum of Forty five pounds to be assessed in 
55 



430 



the next Town Tax to provide Drums Sc fifes for this Town's com- 
pany of Militia also to purchase Coats, Hats &c. for such persons 
as belong to Said Company and are not able to provide for them- 
selves. 

Voted That the Town Treasurer be directed and he is hereby 
directed to hire the above sum of Forty Five pounds in Behalf of 
the Town for the above purpose. 

Voted That Colo. Gardner, Captain Goddard, and Leiut. Davis 
be a committee for the purpose of procuring the above mentioned 
Articles, the same to be under their care for the use above men- 
tioned. 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without Day and was 

adjourned accordingly. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on Monday the first day of April 1799. for the purpose of 
giving in their Votes for a Governor, Lieutenant Governor and 
Senators. The Inhabitants gave in their votes as follows Viz. 
For Governor. 
34 Votes for his Excellency Increase Sumner Esq. 

30 " " the Hon. William Heath Esq. 

For Lieutenant Governor. 
43 Votes for his honor Moses Gill Esqurre 
18 " for the Hon John Bacon Esq. 
2 " Capt. Timothy Corey 

1 " Hon George B Minot Esq. 

For Senators 

31 Votes for Nath'l Ames 



34 


" for John Read 


32 


" for William Aspinwall 


37 


" " SethBulliard 


30 


" " Nath'l Bailey 


36 


" " Eben'r Thayer 




Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



431 

At a meeting of the Inliabitants of the Town of Brookliue 
on the l.st day of Aj)ril 1799. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator 

Voted that this town will not paint their Parsonage llonse. 

Voted That The Town will do nothing relative to providing a 
place for the Widow Hannah Ra^-mond. 

Voted To clear the Bushea from the Burying ground — 

The Selectmen were chosen a committee to have this vote 
carried into Etfect 

Voted To adjourn this meeting without da)\ 

which was done accordingly. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

BrookUne May lA. 1799. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town of Brookline for the purpose of chooseing a Representa- 
tive to Represent them in the General court appointed to be con- 
vened and held at Boston on the Last Wednesday- of May Inst. 

The Selectmen being moderators. 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Representative and 
upon Counting the same it appeared that William Aspinwall 
Esquire was chosen and declaration therof was made accordingl}'. 

Stephen Sharp was then chosen moderator. 

The Report of the Committee for Examining The Town Treasur- 
ers & School Treasurers accounts being Read The Town voted to 
accept the same. 

Voted That the Report of the Committee for Examining into 
the state of the Pews be read, — which was read accordingly — 

Voted That the sum of Sixteen hundred dollars be raized by a 
tax on Polls, Real and Personal Estate for the Purpose of paying 
the Pwov'd Mr. Peirce his Stated Sallary and paying the Towns 
debts and defraying the necessary charges of the Town the cur- 
rent Year. 

Voted That the Request of Mr. Iligginson relative to moving 



432 

the Pound be granted provided he shall provide a place for said 
pound which shall be a[iproved of by the Selectmen. 

Voted That the Request of Mr. Higginson relative to moving the 
West school house be referred to a committee of three persons Viz. 

Mr. Jonathan Hammond, Captain Joseph Goddard and Colo 

Isaac S. Gardner. 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

BrooTdine Ftbruary 18. 1800. At a meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Brookline. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator. 

Voted That this Town agree to assemble at the Meeting House 
on Saturday next the 22d Instant at Eleven OClock in the fore- 
noon To testify- their Eespect for the memorj' of the late General 
George Washington — And that the Selectmen be a committee to 
wait on the Rev'd Mr. John Peirce and desire him to Lead in the 
Ceremonies by prayer and some appropriate discourse. 

And that the said Committee be and thej^ are hereby requested 
to provide a suitable Cloth to put the Pulpit in mourning. 

Voted That the Reverend Mr John Peirce, Colo Isaac S. Gard- 
ner and Mr. Isaac Allen be a committee to select suitable Anthems, 
Psalms or Hymn's to be sung on the Occasion. 

Voted That the Militia be Requested to wear their Uniform and 
side arms on the 22 February- and meet at the Brick school House 
in order to form a procession & walk in order to the Meeting 
House. 

Voted That the Inhabitants School Masters and chrildren Join 
in the procession. 

Voted That the Selectmen Colo Isaac S. Gardner and Docter 
William Aspinwall be a committee to Arrange the procession. 

Mr. Ebenezer Davis and Eliphald Spurr were chosen Marshalls. 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned till next Saturdaj* at 
two OClock — in this place — 

The meeting was accordingly adjourned 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



433 

February 22 ISOO At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline, — aceoriling to adjourmcnt from the 18th Feb- 
ruaiv (.'iirront. 

Stephen Sharp being moderator. 

Voted That the Selectmen be a committee to wait on the Kev'd 
INIr. I'eirce and give him the Black Broad Cloth that was l)ought 
b}' the Selectmen by the direction of the Town to put thi; J'ulpit in 
Mourning — and request a cop}- of his discourse for the Press. 

Voted That Three hundred copies of said Discourse be printed 
at the Expense of the To\\n. 

Voted That the Thanks of the Town be given to Captain 
Joseph Goddard and his Company for their attendance this Day. 

Voted That the Thanks of the Town be given to the Singing 
Society for their good performances this Day — and in Considera- 
tion thereof. 

Voted That the Town will defray the Expence of a singing 
school six weeks from this da}- — 

^'oted That the Town will pay the small Expence of the Day. 

The meeting was then Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the tenth day of March 1800. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk. 

Stephen Sharp, Capt Samuel Croft. & Dea. Samuel Clark were 
chosen Selectmen &. Assessors. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer. 

Mr. Eliphald Spurr was chosen surveyor of the Highwa}- for the 
1st North District 

Mr. James Holden for the 2 North District 

Mr. Thomas Ilarback for the Middle District 

Mr. Joseph "NVinship for the 1st South District 

Mr. Nath'l Winchester for the 2d South District 



434 

Mr. Sam'l Slack & Mr. Soloman Child were chosen Field 
drivers. 

Mr. Zepheniah Thayer and Mr. Nath'l Murdock were chosen 
surveyors of Wood and Lumber. 

Mr. Abel Meriam and Mr. William Leveret were chosen 
Hogreaves. 

Mr. Ebenezer Davis was chosen clerk of the Market. 

Mr. Jonathan Jackson was chosen pound keeper. 

Capt Joseph Goddard and Mr. Samuel Slack were chosen 
Fence viewers. 

Deacon Samuel Clark and Mr. Elijah Corey were chosen 
T^'thingmen 

Mr. Jonas Tolmau was chosen sealer of Leather. 

Mr. Ebenezer Davis Capt Samuel Croft Mr. Ebenezer Heath 
and Mr. Joshua Griggs were chosen Firewards. 

Voted To Hire a constable and Collector of Taxes. 

Mr. Elijah Child was chosen Constable and Collector of Taxes, he 
offering to Collect for One S billing and nine pence on the pound 
with a deduction of One Shilling and six pence on the pound to 
all who pay tlieir Taxes b}^ the 1st day of January next. 

William Aspinwall Esq. Isaac. S. Gardner Esq. and Mr. Eben- 
ezer Davis were chosen a committee To examine The Town Treas- 
urers and School Treasurers accounts and Report the State of the 
Same at May meeting. 

Voted To raise the sum of Five hundred dollars to repair the 
Highways the present Year, and that the said sum be assessed and 
worked out in the same manner, the Highway Rate was assessed 
and worked out the last year. 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without day. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
qualified to Vote for Governor Leiut. Governor Senators and Rep- 
resentatives on Monday the 7th day of April 1800 



435 

Votes for the following persons were given in Counted and 
sorted and Record and declaration therof made agreable to the 
Constitution. 

For Grovernor. 
55 Votes for the Hon Elbridge GeiTj Esq. 
26 " for the Hon Caleb Strong Esq. 

For Leiut. Governor. 
51 Votes for the Hon William Heath Esq. 
15 " for the Hon Moses Gill Esq. 
3 '' Hon Fisher Ames Esq. 

3 " Hon Edw'd H Bobbins Esq. 

2 " Mr. Ebenezer Heath 

1 " Hon Elbridge Gerr}' Esq. 

1 " Hon Samuel Phillips Esq. 

1 " ]Mi'. Zephion Thayer 

For Senators 
55 Votes for William Aspinwall Esq. 
55 Votes for Colo. John Ellis 
54 " for Benja. Hitchboru 
26 " for Ebenezer Tha^-er 
25 " for Seth Bulliard 
22 " " John Reed 

3 " " Oliver Everett Esq. 

Brookline April 1th 1800 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator. 

Voted That this Town will quit all their claim and right to a 
peice of Salt Marsh in Brookline Marshes formerly the property of 
Elizabeth Clark Widow late of this Town (Deceased) and they do 
hereby quit all their claim to and Demands on Said Marsh 

The Inhal)itauts brought in their votes for County Treasurer the 
same being Counted and sorted by the Selectmen and Town Clerk, 
and there was 26 Votes for Isaac Bulliard 



436 

Voted That the Selectmen be directed and they are hereby 
directed to regulate the Jury Boxes. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline May 15 1800 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline for the purpose of choosing a Representative. 

The Selectmen being Moderators. 

Voted To send a Representative 

Stephen Sharp was chosen representative 

Then Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

Voted That Cattle shall not run in the roads of this Town with- 
out a Keeper. 

The Report of the Committee for examining the Towns accounts 
being read — the Town Voted to accept the same. 

Voted To raise Fifteen hundred dollars by a Tax to pay the 
Rev'd John Peirce his Sallary and Defray' the necessary charges of 
the Town the current year. 

Voted To keep Three Women's schools during the summer 
season. 

Deacon Clark was chosen a committee to wait on the Rev'd 
Mr. Peirce and desire him to lengthen the intermission between 
meetings one Hour. 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

Brookline November 3 1800. At a meeting of the Male Inhabi- 
tants of the Town of Brookline for the purpose of giving in their 
Votes for a Representative in the Congress of the United States 
for the first middle District — 

Votes for the following persons were given in Viz. 
45 Votes for Docter Wm. Eustis 
26 " for Josiah Quincy Esquire. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



437 

Brooldine March 0th ISOl At a meeting of the (jualified voters 
in the Town of Brookline on the ninth (hiy ol" March l.SUl lor the 
imrpose ol" choosing Selectmen and all Usnal Town Oflicers to 
serve the Town the Ensuing Year. 

Steplien Sharp was chosen moderator 

Voted To choose Three persons to serve as Selectmen and 
Assessors. 

Stephen Sharp, Capt. Samuel Croft & Deacon Samuel Clark, 
were chosen Selectmen and Assessors. 

Stei)hen Sharp was Chosen Town Clerk. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 

"William Leverett was chosen surveyor of Roads for tlie 2d 
North District. 

Jonathan Dana for the 1st North District. 

Benjamin White for the Middle District 

Calel) Craft for the first south district 

Nathaniel Murdock for the Second (south District. 

Jonas Tolman and John Harris were chosen Field drivers — 

Samuel Eastabrooks and Abraham Earwell were chosen Hog- 
reaves. 

Nathaniel Murdock, and Zephion Thayer were chosen surveyors 
of Wood and Lumber 

Benjamin Davis and Capt Joseph Goddard were chosen Fence 
viewers 

Eliphalet Spurr, & Elijah Corey were chosen Tythiugmeu. 

Capt. Samuel Croft, Ebenezer Davis, Ebenezer Heath & Joshua 
Griggs were chosen Fire wards. 

Elii)halet Spurr was chosen Clerk of the market. 

Solomon Alden was chosen pound keeper. 

James Leeds was chosen Sealer of Leather 

Voted To Hire a Constable and collector of Taxes. 

Elijah Child offers to serve as Constable and collector of Taxes 
the Ensuing year for one shilling and Ten pence on the pound 
56 



438 

allowing a deduction of One shilling and six pence on a pound to 
all who pa3' their Taxes by the first day of eJanuary next. 

Voted To Raise the sum of five hundred dollars to repair the 
Roads in said Town the ensuing year, to be assessed on the last 
years valuation allowing one dollar ^ day for man and one dollar 
^ day for Team, reckoning Eight hours for a days work — 

Docter William AsjDinwall, Colo Isaac. S. Gardner and Capt. 
Joseph Goddard were chosen a committee to examine the Town 
Treasurer's & School Treasurer's accounts and Report the state of 
the Same at next May meeting 

Voted That the Rev'd John Peirce have Libert}' to build a Tomb 
in the Burj'ing place. 

The selectmen were chosen a committee to direct where said 
Tomb shall be built 

Voted That this Town will pay the expenses of the singing 
school the last winter amounting to Thirty five dollars and forty 
one cents, that the selectmen be directed and they are hereby 
directed to draw orders on the Town Treasurer for payment of 
said sum. 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without day 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



Brodkline April 6. 1801 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline — 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator. 

Voted not to Excuse Mr Jonathan Dana from serving as sur- 
veyor of Highways 

Voted Not to excuse Mr Benjamin White from serving as sur- 
veyor of Highways. 

Voted That Neat Cattle, Horses, Mules &c. shall not run at 
large without a keeper within the limits of the Town the present 
year. 



439 

Voted Not to reconsider the vote passed last March meeting to 
pay the expenses of the singing school the hist winter. 

Voted To make the Kev'd JMr. Peirce a consideration of One 
hundred dollars on account of the extraordinary expenses of bis 
famil3' the last year occasiond by sickness. 

A'otcd That the surveyors in the several districts be and they 
are hereb}- directed and Empowered, to take care of to [)reserve 
and prune all trees standing within the limits of the publick high- 
ways Town Roads and common land belonging to the Town, 
excepting such trees as stand on land that has been given into 
the highwa}- by the proprietor thereof for the Beuifit of the Tub- 
lick — and the said surveyors arc directed to give notice to the 
Town Treasurer of all Trespasses committed on said Trees within 
their own Districts b}' cutting digging up or anyw-ise Injuring the 
same — that damage ma}' be recovered for the Injury — 

And the Town Treasurer is directed and empowered to demand 
damage in behalf of tke Town for any Injur}- that may be done to 
the said Trees, and if necessar}' to sue for and recover the same of 
the Trespasser by a due course of Law. 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned w ithout day. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



BrookUne April Gfh ISOl At a meeting of the qualified voters 
of the Town of Brookline being warned as the Constitution 
directs for the purpose of giving in their votes, for Governor, 
Leiut. Governor and Senators — Votes for the following per- 
sons were given in counted and sorted. Viz — 

For Governor 
49 Votes for the Hon Elbridgc Gerry Esq. 
37 " — Ilis Excellency Caleb Strong Esq. 
2 Votes for the Hon William Heath Esq. 



440 

For Leiut. Governor 
49 Votes for the Hon William Heath Esq. 
33 " for the Hon Samuel Phillips Esq. 
2 " " Hon Edw'd H Robbins 
1 " " Hon Jonas Tolman. 
For Senators — 
52 Votes for the Hon William Aspinwall 



50 
49 


a n 


— Benja. Hitchborn 
Colo John Ellis. 


32 




Ebenezer Thayer 


30 




Scth BuUiard 


26 




John Read 


8 




Oliver Everett 


2 




Capt. John Baxter 


1 




Colo Jonathan Ivingsbur}^ 
Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



BrooMine May 14. 1801. at a meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town of Brookline warned and assembled according to Law 
for the purpose of choosing a person to Represent this Town at 
the General Court appointed to be Convened and held at Boston 
on the last Wednesday of May Instant — 

The Seleotenen being moderators 

Voted To send a Representative 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Representative and 
upon counting the .Same it appeared that Stephen Sharp was 
Unanimously chosen and declaration thereof was made accord- 
ingly. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Town meeting May 14. 1801 
Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator. 
The committee chosen at March meeting to examine the Town 



441 

Treasurer's and school Treasurer's accounts Report that they 
found Said Accounts in Excellent order. The State thereof was 
Read and accepted by a vote of the Town. 

Voted To dispense with reading tlic Town Treasurer's 
account. 

Voted To Raise the sum of Eighteen hundred ilollars by a Tax 
on jiolls and Estates in the Usual way for the purpose of paying 
the Rev'd John Poirce his slated Sallary and defraying tlic nec- 
essary- charges of the Town the current j'ear — 

Voted That the Town will not Excuse Jonathan Dana and 
Benjamin Wliite from serving as surve^'ors of Highwaj-s — and 
in case tlio}' do not serve they shall pay the fine the Law 
requires — 

Capt. Timothy Corey was chosen Surveyor of the Ilighwaj's in 
Room of Jonatlian Dana. 

Voted That the Selectmen be directed and the}' are hereb}' 
directed to appoint surve3-ors of Highways in room of such as 
have been chosen and declined serving 

Voted To Raise One hundred and fift}- dollars to Provide coats, 
caps &c. for this Towns compau}- of Militia. 

A'oted That the Town Treasurer be directed to hire the above 
sum of One hundred and fifty dollars for said purpose. 

Captain Joseph Goddard Leiut. Benja Davis and Leiu. Joshua 
Griggs were chosen a committee to Receive Said Sum of one 
hundred and Mty dollars and expend it for said purpose 

Docter Aspinwall Colo. Gardner and Mr Ebenezer Davis were 
chosen a committee to examine into the state of this Town's stock 
of Arms Ammunition &c. 

Voted To keep Three Women's schools during the Three sum- 
mer months. 

Then the Meeting was dissolved 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



442 

Brookline Monday March 1. 1802. 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line at the Brick school house on Monday the 1st day of March. 
1802. 

Stephen Sharp being chosen Moderator. 

The Town proceeded to the Choice of the following persons to 
serve as Town Officers the Year Ensuing. 

Stephen Sharp was Chosen Town Clerk. 

Voted To choose Three persons as Selectmen and assessors, the 

ensuing Year and that the}^ be chosen altogether. 

« 
Stephen Sharp. Capt. Samuel Croft and Deacon Samuel Clark, 

were chosen Selectmen and Assessors — 

Stephen Shai'p was chosen Town Treasurer 

William Aspinwall Esq. was chosen surve^'or of highwa3's for 
the 1st North district — Mr. John Aspinwall for the 2d North 
district — Mr. William Ackers for the Middle district — Mr. 
Ebenezer Webb for the South district — Mr. Abel Merriam for 
the new South district — 

Mr. Joseph Winship and Mr. Timothy Townsend were chosen 
hogreaves. 

Mr. Nathaniel Murdock and Mr. James Holden were chosen 
surveyors of Wood & Lumber — 

Mr. Samuel Slack and Mr. Ebenezer Richards were chosen 
fence veiwers 

Mr Elijah Corey and Mr Eliphalet Spurr were chosen Tjthiug- 
men — 

Mr. Eliphalet Spurr was chosen Clerk of the Market. 

Mr. John Aspinwall — Leiut. Benja Davis Mr. Ebenezer Heath 
and Mr Thaddeus Jackson were chosen 1-i'irewards — 

Mr. Preserved Baker was chosen Pound Keeper 

Mr Jonas Tolman was chosen Sealer of Leather 

Docter Aspinwall, Colo. Gardner and Dca. Robinson were 
chosen a committee to Examine the Town treasurer's and school 



443 

Treasurer's accounts and report the State of the same at May 
meeting — 

Upon a motion made it was Voted tliat the Town will hire a 
l)erson to serve as constable and collector of Taxes ibr the Year 
ensuing as heretofore practiced. 

Mr. Elijah Child offered to serv^e as Constable antl collector of 
Taxes for the year ensuing for one shilling and ten pence half 
penny on the pound allowing the deduction of One shilling and 
sixpence on the pound to all who pay their Taxes bj' the first of 
January- next — 

Voted, To raize the sum of Five hundred dollars to repair the 
Highways the ensuing Year. 

Voted That the said sum be assessed on the last years valuation 
as usual. 

Then the Inhabitants brought in their votes for County Treas- 
urer, the same being counted by the Moderator and Town clerk 
there was 27 Votes for Isaac Bullard. 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without da}-. 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of giving in their votes for Governor. Leiut Governor, 
for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and senators for the dis- 
trict of Norfolk holden on the 5th day of April 1802. being the 
first Monday of Said month the Inhabitants brought in their Votes 
as follows — Viz. 

for Governor. 
32 Votes for his Excellency Caleb Strong Esq. 
51 " for the Hon Elbridge Gerry Esq. 

Leiut. Governor. 
53 " for the Hon William Heath Esq. 
31 " " " Hon Edw'd H Robbins Esq. 



444 

Senators — 
53 Votes for the Hon William Aspinwall Esq. 



51 " 


" Benja Hitchborn Esq. 


51 " 


" John Ellis Esq. 


30 " 


" Joseph Lovell Esq. 


29 " 


" Oliver Everett Esq. 


28 " 


" . Samuel Bass Esq. 


1 " 


" Ebenezer Thayer 


1 " 


" David S. Greenough 


1 " 


" Hon Seth Bulliard Esq. 


1 " 


" " John Reed Esq. 




Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
— April 5th 1802. Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator — 

Voted That Neat Cattle, Horses, or horse kind shall not go at 
large within the limits of this Town the present j'ear without a 
keeper — 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without day and was 

adjourned accordingly 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

Thursday May 13. 1802 
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of The Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of choosing a Representative. The Selectmen being 
moderators — 

Voted To choose a person to represent this Town in the General 
court the present year — 

Then the Inhabitants gave in their votes for representative and 
upon counting the same it appeared that Stephen Sharp was Unani- 
mously chosen to represent this Town at the General court 
appointed to be convened and held at Boston the last wednesdaj^ 
of May and declaration was made accordingly — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



445 



Town iiicotinij; Mn/ 1:5. 1S02. 

Stophon Sharp was chosen moderator. 

The committee ap|)ointeil to Examine the Town treasurers 
and School treasurers accounts hiid hefurt' the Town an accurate 
statement of the Same which the Town voted to Accei)t. 

Voted To raise the sum of Eighteen hundred dollars for the 
purpose of paying the Rev'd John Peirce his stated sallary and 
defraying the Usual necessary charges of tlie Town the Current 
Year. 

The committee appointed to Examine the Towns military- stores 
made their Report which was accepted b}' the Town. 

Voted To choose a committee for the following purpose. Viz. 
To examine the state of the meeting house, whether it is in a 
situation to Enlarge and if it will admit of an enlargement, ITow 
many new pews ma}' be made and what measures is best for the 
Town to adopt to accomplish the same. Then Docter Aspinwall, 
Stephen Sharp, Deacon Robinson Colo. Gardner, and Nuth'l 
Murdock were chosen a committee for the above purpose. 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to the 14th day of June 
next, at three OClock in the afternoon at the meeting House. 

and the meeting was accordingly' adjourned. 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



Brookline June 14. 1H02 — At a meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Brookline by adjournment from i;3th day of ]Nray 
last — Stephen Sharp being moderator. 

The committee appointed last May meeting to examine the 
state of the meeting house, the practibility of enlarging it in what 
manner and how large the additions ought to be made and what 
measures are best to accomplish the same. 

Report — that the}' have attended that service and find thai the 
Roof of the meeting House wants to be shingled and the east end 
67 



446 

to be Clapboarded immediately — that the frame of the House is 
strong and Timber sound, and that it is practicable to divide it 
and move one part of from the other with safety — And in the 
opinion of the committee it is best to divide the House transversly 
through the Broad Isle and move the east end eighteen feet east- 
ward — to fill up the space with two new ranges of Pews one on 
each side of the Broad Isle with a short alley three feet wide be- 
twixt Nath. Winchester pew and the new pews on one side the 
broad Isle and Caleb Crafts pew and the new pew on the other 
side, for the purpose of Passing the center pews. To remove the 
Pulpit and front door with the Pews adjoining them on each Side 
to the center of the new space — To build two wall pews on each 
side of the pulpit and Front door in the remaining spaces. 

To build eight new pews in the new space, in the Front Gallery 
and Eight new Windows four Below and four above of the same 
dimensions as the old windows. 

The proprietors of Pews now situated on the broad Isle to 
Receive new ones on the new Broad Isle of the same dimensions 
in Exchange (if they see fit) for the Present pews. 

That to accomplish the same next spring it is necessary to 
choose a committee to purchase Materials this year and to agree 
with some carpenter to do some of the Inside work, Windows &c. 
in the next winter season — That the Town Treasurer be and he 
is hereby directed to borrow a sum of money to purchase materials 
necessary for the work and deliver the same to the said committee 
and take a Receipt therefor — 

That the said committee be and they are hereby authorized and 
directed to sell the said Pews when finished at such times and 
place as the}- may Judge best at Publick Vendue to the Inhabi- 
tants of the Town and from the produce of the sale to pay the 
Town Treasurer all the money borrowed and Received of him by 
the Committee to purchase materials with and the Interest of the 
same. 



447' 

And the said committee are hereby authorized and directed to 
La}' the Residue with the produce of the sale of the Body seats or 
pews whtfh may be errected on the places wliirli tlie said seats 
now occupy in Repairing and painting the outside of said meet- 
ing House and if there should be any surplus to Expend the 
same in Repairing and painting the Parsonage House and 
Fences — 

The said committee are held & obliged to account with the 
Selectmen for the expenditure of mone}' received by them of the 
Town Treasurer and for the sale of the Pews — and the}' are not 
authorized to Expend on the above repairs One cent more than 
shall arise from the sale of the Pews and space of the Body 
seats — 

Voted To Enlarge the Meeting house agreable to the above 
reports of the Town's committee. 

Voted To choose a committee of five persons to accomplish the 
above purpose in the Best manner the}' cau — 

Then Doct. Will'm Aspiuwall Stephen Sharp Deacon John 
Robinson, and Colo. Isaac S. Gardner were chosen a committee 
for the above purpose — 

Capt Joseph Goddard & Joshua Griggs were chosen a commit- 
tee to take care of the Town's Stock of Arms, Militia Stores, 
Uniform &c. &c. — 

Colo. Gardner Deacon Robinson & Wm. Ackers were chosen a 
committee to Inspect said Military Stores — 

Ebenezer Heath was chosen pound keeper — 

The meeting was then adjourned — 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on Monday the first day of November 1802. for the purpose 
of Giving in their votes for a Representative in the Congress of 



.448 

the United States the Inhabitants brought in their votes as 
follows — Viz. 

31 Votes for Ebenezer Seaver Esq. 
20 " for Hon Oliver Everett Esq'r 
1 " " Hon Wm. Heath Esq'r 
1 " " Perez Morton Esq'r 
Then the meeting was adjourned without day — • 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 14th day of March 1803. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk. 

Voted To choose three Selectmen and Assessors and that they 
be chosen together — 

Stephen Sharp, Samuel Croft and Sam'l Clark were chosen 
Selectmen and Assessors — 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 

Benjamin Davis, William Marshall, Caleb Gardner, Solomon 
Childs and John Corey were chosen survej'ors of Highwaj's — 

Jonas Tolman and Samuel Slack were chosen Hogreaves* 

Nathaniel Murdock and James Holden were chosen surve^-ors 
of Wood and Lumber — 

Daniel Dascomb & Elijah Child were chosen fence veiwers. 

Elijah Corey & Eliphalet Spurr were chosen Tythingmen — 

Eliphalet Spurr was chosen clerk of the market — 

Jonas Tolman sealer of Leather — 

Jonathan Jackson was chosen pound keeper — 

John Aspinwall, Benja Davis Ebenezer Heath & Colo Gardner 
were chosen Firewards 

John Harris and James Leeds were chosen Field drivers — 

Elijah Child offers to serve as Constable and collector of 
Taxes for One shilling and Eleven pence on the pound allowing a 



449 

deduction of 1 10 on the i>onnd to all who pa}- their Taxes by the 
first da}- of Januar}- next. 

Elijah Child was chosen Constable & Collector 

Docter Aspinwall Colo Gardner and Deacon Robinson were 
chosen a committee to Examine Accounts. 

The Inhabitants gave in their votes for Count}- Treasurer the 
same being counted by the Moderator and Town clerk, there 
appeared 20 votes for Isaac Bullard 

Voted To raise five hundred dollars to Repair the Highways and 
that said sum be assessed on the last years Valuation. 

The meeting was then dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



At a meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
in the County and district of Norfolk in the commonw-ealth of 
Massachusetts qualified by the Constitution of said Commonwealth 
to vote for Governor Leiutenant Governor senators and Represen- 
tatives the said meeting being warned as the said Constitution 
directs and holden on the fourth day of April being the first mon- 
day in Said month 1803. for the purpose of giving in their votes 
for Governor. Leiut. Governor of said Commonwealth and senators 
and Counsellors for said District 

The following Votes were given in Viz. 

for Governor. 

For the Hon Elbridge Gerry Esquire 37 Votes 

His Excellency Caleb Strong Esq. 23 — 

Leiut. Governor 

For the Hon James Bowdoin Esq. 39 Votes 

EdwM H. Robbius Esq. 20 

William Heath Esq. 1 



450 



Senators 

For the Hon John Ellis Esq. 38 Votes 

John Howe Esq, 38 Votes 

Samuel Bass Esq. 20 " 

For the Hon Samuel Dexter Esq. 23 " 
— "William Aspinwall 3 " 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Cler. 



Brookline April 4. 1803 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

Voted That Neat cattle Horses or Horse kind shall not go at 
large within the limits of this Town the present jeax without a 
keeper — 

Voted Not to Excuse Jonathan Dana from paying a fine for not 
serving surveyor of the Highways, in the year 1801. 

Voted That if Caleb Gardner refuses to serve as surveyor of 
Highwa3rs, the Selectmen be directed to appoint a person to serve 
in his Room — 

Joseph Goddard was chosen on the committee for examining 
accounts in room of Docter Aspinwall who declined serving 

Attest, Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 11th day of May 1803. 

The Selectmen being moderators. 

Voted To send a Representative 

The Inhabitants brought in their votes for a representative and 
upon counting the same it appeared that Stephen Sharp was unani- 
mously chosen and the vote was declared accordingly 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



451 

Town meeting 3Iay 11. 1803 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator ; 

The committee chosen to examine the Town treasurers and 
School treasurers accouut made their report. 

Voted To accept the report of the committee for examining the 
Town accounts — 

Voted To raize the sum of sixteen hundred dollars to pa}- the 
Eev'd John Peirce his stated Sallary and to defray the charges of 
the town the current year. 

Voted To reconsider the vote passed the IGth June last to 
enlarge and repair the meeting house and let it remain as it is for 
the present. 

Voted That the Town treasurer be directed and he is hereby 
directed to hire a sum of monc}- sufficient to pay the committee for 
enlarging and repairing the Meeting house for all they have expen- 
ded for materials and all the work that hath been done relative 
to repairing said Meeting house and that the amount thereof be 
assessed in the next Town Tax — 

Voted That the Thanks of the Town be given to said committee 
for their services — 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without da}- and was 

accordingly adjourned — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 12th day of March 1804. warned and assembled 
according to Law. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator. 

Voted To choose Three men to serve as Selectmen and Asses- 
sors and that the}' be chosen together. 

Stephen Sharp, Capt Sam'l Croft & Deacon Sam'l Clark were 
chosen Selectmen and Assessors. 

Mr Sam'l Slack & Mr Nath'l Murdock were chosen Fence 
veiwers — 



452 

Stephen Sharp was chosen surveyor of Highways for the 1st 
North District — 

Mr Sam'l Slack was chosen survej'or of Highways for 2d North 
district — 

David H3'slop was chosen surve3^or of Highwaj's for the Mid- 
dle district — 

Mr Caleb Craft was chosen surveyor of Highways for 1 st South 
district — 

Capt Joseph Goddard was chosen surveyor of Highways for 2d 
South district. 

Mr Thomas White, Mr James Leeds Mr Samuel White Mr Dan- 
iel Leverett were chosen Hogreaves. 

Mr Nath Murdock, Mr James Holden were chosen surve3'ors of 
Wood & Lumber — 

Mr James Leeds and Mr Jonas Tolman were chosen tythiug- 
men 

Mr Eliphalet Spurr was chosen clerk of the Market. 

Mr Jonas Tolman was chosen sealer of Leather Capt Joseph 
Jones and Joseph Winship were chosen Field drivers — 

Mr Jonathan Jackson was chosen Pound keeper — 

Mr John Aspinwall, Leiut. Benja Davis. Mr Eben'r Heath and 
Colo Isaac S. Gardner were chosen Fire wards — 

Voted To hire a Constable and collector of Taxes 

Elijah Child offers to serve as Constable and collector of Taxes 
the present year on the same terms he served the last year (to 
wit) for one shilling and Eleven pence on the pound on all Taxes 
he shall collect allowing a deduction of one shilling and sixpence 
on the pound to all those persons that pay their Taxes b^' the first 
day of Januarj' — 

The Town accepted his otfer and he was chosen Constable and 
collector of taxes 

Voted to raize the sum of Five hundred dollars for the purpose 
of repairing the highways the present year — 



453 

Voted That The Higlnva}' Tux be assessed on the old vahiatiou 
as usual — 

Voted To give the Rev'd John Peirce One hundred antl fifty 
dollars p year in addition to his Stated Sallar^- for the term of 
throe years — Colo Isaac S. Gardner. Dea John Robinson and 
Capt Joseph Goddard were chosen a committee to examine the 
Town treasurers accounts and report the state of the same to the 
Town at next May meeting — 

Mr Ebenezer Heath, Colo Isaac S Gardner and Capt Joseph 
Goddard were chosen a committee to examine the Towns stock of 
Arms, Ammunition Uniform &c. ^ 

Capt Joseph tlones was chosen a committee to take the care of 
Towns stock of Guns and Uniform &;c. 

Mr Abel Merriam was chosen a committee to take the care of 
the Towns stock of Ammunition &c. 

Then the Inhabitants brought in their votes for countj^ Treas- 
urer and the same being counted by the Selectmen and Town 
Clerk it was declared that Isaac Bullard had twenty six votes — 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without da}' and was 
adjourned accordingl3\ 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 2d day of April 1804 being the first monday in said 
month for the purpose of giving in their Votes for a Governor and 
Leiutenant Governor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and 
senators for the district of Norfolk. 

The Inhabitants brought in their votes as follows 

For Governor — 
42 votes for the Hon James Sullivan Esq. 
29 — — his Excellency Caleb Strong Esq. 
58 



454 

Leiut Governor 

44 votes for the Hon. William Heath Esq'r 

26 his Hon'r Edw'd H Robbins Esq'r 

1 " for Artemas Ward Esq. 

1 " for Benja Harris Esq. 

Senators 

39 Votes for the Hon John Ellis 

37 " John Howe 

24 " Ebenezer Thayer 

13 " Elijah Crane 

9 " John Reed 

1 " John Baxter 

1 " Isaac Billiard Esq'r 

Voted That this Meeting be adjoiu'ned without day and was 

adjourned accordingly — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 2d day of April 1804 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator. 

Voted That a reward of five hundred dollars be given to any 
person who may detect the Villian or villians that attempted to 
burn the meeting house in this Town on the last evening — 

Voted That the Selectmen be directed and they are hereby 
directed to advertise the above reward in the Independant Chron- 
icle and Columbian Centinel — 

Voted That Neat cattle Horses nor horse kind shall not go at 
large within the limits of this Town the Current year without a 
Keeper — 

Voted To choose a committee of nine persons to enquire 
whether a new situation for a meeting house can be procured and 
on what terms — whether an addition to the present spot can be 
obtained to make an Estimate of the expence of a new meeting 



455 

House — and what shall be done with the present Meeting house 
— and what compensation shall be nuide to the present Pew 
Holders in case the Town should determine to build and all such 
other matters as pertain to the subject. 

Colo Isaac S. Gardner, Capt John Robinson Mr. Ebenezer 
Davis, Mr John L Sullivan Capt Joseph Goddard, Mr Nath'l 
Murdock, Capt Timothy Core}-, Mr William Ackers and Mr 
Jonathan Hammond were chosen to serve as a Committee for the 
above purpose 

Voted That the Article relative to a New Bell be referred to 
Ma}' meeting 

Then the meeting was adjourned witliout day — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 16th day of May 180-i 

The Selectmen being moderators. 

Voted To send a Representative. 

The Inhabitants brought in their votes and upon counting and 
sorting the same it appeared that Stephen Sharp Esquire was 
chosen Representative and declaration was made accordingly — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 16th day of May 1804. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator — 

The committee appointed to Examine The Town Treasurers and 
School Treasurers accounts made their report which was accepted 
by a vote of the Town — 

Voted To raize the sum of seventeen hundred dollars to defray 
the necessary charges of the Town the current year — 

The Report of the committee appointed by tlie Town to make 



456 

enquireys on various subjects relative to building a new Meeting 
house being read — 

Voted To Build a New Meeting house 

Voted That the report of the committee be read and considered 
by Paragraphs. 

Voted To adopt the fourth paragraph in the Report of said 
committee which is as follows — Viz. 

Your committee further state that with the Idea of rendering 
the present lot more convenient, they applied to Mr Carnes for a 
small peice of Land in addition thereto on which he has consented 
to sell twenty four feet in width adjoining the west side of the 
Towns land widening to the Road on which it will Extend about 
Six rods on condition of having a wall Pew on the south or west 
part of the New Meeting house free of cost — And Mr Walley has 
consented on application of the committee to let the Town have 
some adjoining land on the north — 

Voted To build a meeting house on the place or Plat where the 
old meeting house stands as recommended in the foregoing report 
of the committee 

Voted To give Mr John Carnes a Pew in the new Meeting house 
in compensation for a small strip of Land to enlarge the meeting 
house yard. 

Voted To have a Broad Isle and square Wall Pews in the New 
Meeting house * 

Voted To make a compensation to the owners of Pews in the 
Old meeting house of Thirty dollars for each pew on the lower 
floor and fifteen dollars for each pew in the Gallery — 

Voted To choose a committee of three persons to Execute the 
business of building a meeting house — ■ 

Colo Isaac S. Gardner. Capt John Robinson and Mr Nathaniel 
Murdock were chosen to serve on said committee — 

Colo Gardner declined serving and Mr Ebenezer Heath was 
chosen to serve in his Room — 



457 

Voted To choose Six persons in addition to the committee 
ah-ead}' chosen to advise and assist said committee and have an 
equal voice with them in all business relative to building a Meet- 
ing House — 

Doct Aspinwall, Stephen Sharp Colo Gardner Capt Goddard 
William Ackers and Dea Clark were chosen to serve on said 
Committee — 

Voted To adjourn this meeting to Thursdaj- 24th daj' of May 
current at four OClock in the afternoon then to meet in this place — 

Then the meeting was adjourned accordingly 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

Thursday May 24. 1804 

The Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline being met according 
to adjournment from the 10th daj- of May last — 

Stephen Sharp being moderator — 

Voted That the committee for building a new meeting house 
be directed to inform themselves as soon as practicable as to the 
best form and manner of building a meeting house both as to the 
Exterior and Interior parts and exhibit a plan of the same to the 
i Town at a meeting of the Inhabitants sometime in June next, 
said meeting to be called by the Selectmen at the Request of the 
Committee — 

Voted That the Town Treasurer be directed and he is hereby 
directed and empowered to give his Obligation on Interest in behalf 
of the Town for a sum of monc}- not exceeding Eleven thousand 
dollars to be expended by the committee for the Benefit of the 
Town in Building a meeting house. 
I Voted To keep two women's school one in the West and one in 
I the North district for the Terra of Three months in the summer 
season — 

Voted That Fifty dollars be granted for tlic purpose of defray- 
ing the Expences of said schools and that the said sum be assessed 
in the next Town Tax — 



458 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r was chosen to serve on the school com- 
mittee in room of Mr John Heath (deceased) — 

Isaac S. Gardner was chosen School Treasurer in Room of Capt 
Samuel Croft who declined serving longer in that Office — 

Voted That The thanks of the Town be given to Capt Sam'l 
Croft for his services as school treasurer for a number of j-ears past 

Then the meeting was adjourned without da}^ 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line holden on the 11th day of June 1804. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator 

Colo Gardner, Mr Daniel Hyslop, and Stephen Sharp were 
chosen a committee to wait on Mr John Carnes and agree with him 
for a peice of Land adjoining the Meeting house j'ard — 

Voted that the committee be directed and the}' are hereby 
directed not to build the New Meeting house larger than seventy 
four feet long b}^ fifty four feet wide. 

Voted that the Building a New Meeting house be wholly left 
with the Committee — 

Then the Meeting was dissolved — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 5th daj^ of September 1804 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator — 

Voted To reconsider the vote passed the sixteenth day of May 
last to build a new Meeting house on the plot where the old house 
stands — 

Voted To Purchase two peices of Land of William Aspinwall 
and Stephen Sharp Esquires latel}' bought b}^ them of John Carnes 
at the same price they gave for them Viz Two Thousand dollars 
with Interest from the 30th day of August last — 

Voted That the committee for building the New meeting 



459 

house be directed and the}- are licreby directed to build the new 
Meeting house on the largest of said lots of Land East of the 
brick school house — 

Voted To reconsider their vote to have the Wall i)ews in the 
new Meeting house square — and adopt tlie new plan of their Com- 
mittee to have long pews next the wall — 

Voted That "William Aspinwall Esq'r be empowered and he is 
hereby empowered to give a quit claim deed of a small peice of 
land adjoining the meeting house yard last owned by John 
Carnes — 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without da}- 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
qualified to Vote for Representatives holden on the fifth da}' of 
November 1804 for the purpose of giving in their Votes for 
Nineteen Electors of President and Vice President of the United 
States — The Inhabitants brought in their votes as follows Viz — 
for Electors at large 
34 Votes for Hon Elbridge Gerry Esq. of Cambridge 
34 " Hon James Sullivan Esq'r of Boston 

District Electors 

34 Hon James Bowdoin Esq'r of Boston 

34 Colo John Hathorn Salem 

34 Doct Thomas Kitteridge Andover 

34 Hon James Winthrop Esq'r Cambridge 

34 Jonathan Smith Jun'r Esq West Springfield 

34 Edward Upham Esq'r New Salem 

34 Hon James Warren Esq'r Plymouth 

34 Hon Josiah Dean Esq'r Rainham 

34 Hon John Davis Esq'r Barnstable 

34 Gen Timothy Newell Sturbridge 

34 Gen John Whiting Esq Lancaster 



460 

34 Votes Hou John Bacon Esq Stockbridge 

34 " Hon Wm. Heath Esq Roxbury 

34 Hon John Woodman Esq Buxton 

34 Hon Charles Turner Esq Turner 

34 Votes Colo Thomas Fillebrown of Hallowell 

34 " * John Farley Esq'r New Castle 

Electors at large 
26 Hon David Cobb Esq'r Goldsbourough 

26 Hon Oliver "Wendell Esq'r Boston 

District Electors 

26 Hon John Coffin Jones Esq'r Boston 

26 Hon Benjamin Goodhue Esq'r Salem 

26 Hon Baily Bartlet Esq'r Haverhill 

26 Hon Eleazer Brooks Esq. Lincoln 

2% Hon William Shepherd Esq'r Westfield 

26 Hon Ebenezer Mulloon Jun Esq Amherst 

26 Hon William Seaver Esq, Kingston 

26 Hon Ebenezer Bacon Esq Barnstable 

26 Hon George Leonard Esq Norton 
26 Joseph Allen Esq Worcester 

26 Hon Josiah Stearns Esq Luningburg 

26 Hon David Rossiter of Richmond 

26 Hon Cotton Tufts Esq of Weymouth 

26 Hon John Lord Esq Berwick 

26 Hon Isaac Parker Esq'r Portland 

26 Hou Thomas Rice Esq. Wisscasset 

26 Hon Samuel S. Wild Esq'r Hallowell 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
qualified to vote for representatives holden on the 5 day of 
November 1804 for the purpose of giving in their votes for a 



4G1 

Representative in tlic Congress of the United States the Inhal)i- 
tants brought in their Votes as follows — Viz. 

27 Votes for the Hon Ebenczer Seaver Esq 
26 " Thomas B Adams Esq'r 

5. Hon Will'm Hale Esq'r 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline Nov 5 1804 
. At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of 
Brookline — 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

Voted That the sum of Sixt}- dollars be granted and it is hereby 
Granted for the purpose of hiring a singing Master the Ensuing 
Winter — 

The meeting was then adjourned without day- 
Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline dul}^ qualified and legally- warned in publick 
Town meeting assembled at the Brick school house on Monday 
nth Day of March 1805 

Stephen Sharp Esq was chosen Moderator 

Voted To choose five person to serve as selectmen and asses- 
sors, and that they be chosen together 

Stephen Sharp Esquire Capt Samuel Croft Deacon Sam'l Clark. 
Capt Joseph Goddard and Capt John Robinson were chosen 
Selectmen and Assessors — 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Town Clerk 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Town Treasurer 

Capt Timothy Ilorey ^Yas chosen surve3-or of highway's for the 
1st North District 

Mr Thomas Walley for the 2d North district 

Mr Thomas Goddard for the Middle district 
59 



462 

Mr. Thaddeus Jackson for the 1st South District 
Mr Daniel Dascomb for 2 South District 

Mr William Marshall Mr. Nahum Saverns Mr. Benja N Harris 
and Mr. Caleb Craft Jun. were chosen hogreaves — 

Mr James Holden and Mr Nath Murdock were chosen survey- 
ors of wood and Lumber — 

Mr Samuel Slack and Mr Amasa Ellis were chosen Fence 
viewers 

Mr Enos Withington and Mr James Leeds Avere chosen Tj'thing-. 
men 

Mr Eliphalet Spurr was chosen clerk of the Market 
Mr. James Leeds was chosen sealer of Leather 
Capt Joseph Jones Leuit. Joshua C Clark and Mr. Elijah Child 
were chosen Feild Drivers — 

Mr Jonathan Jackson was chosen pound keeper — 
Mr Benja Davis. Mr John Aspinwall Mr Ebenezer Heath & 
Colo Isaac S. Gardner were chosen fire wards — 
Voted To hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes 
Mr Elijah Child offered to serve as constable and Collector of 
Taxes on the same terms he served the last j^ear Viz for One shil- 
ling and Eleven pence on the pound on all Taxes he shall Collect 
allowing a deduction of One shilling and Sixpence on the pound to 
all persons that pay their Taxes by the first day of January'' next. 
The Town accept his offer and make choice of him as their 
constable and Collector of Taxes for the Year ensuing — 

Doctor William Aspinwall, Colo Isaac S. Gardner & Mr Eben- 
ezer Heath were chosen a committee to Examine The Town 
Treasurers & School Treasurers Accounts and report a statement 
thereof to the Town at May meeting — 

Capt Joseph Goddard Colo Isaac S. Gardner and Mr. Wm. 
Ackers were chosen a committee to Examine the Towns Stock of 
Arms, Uniform &c — 

Capt Joseph Jones was chosen a committee to take care of the 
Towns Stock of Ai-ms, Uniform &c. 



463 

Mr Abel Merriam was chosen to take care of the Towns Ammu- 
nition — 

Voted That the sum of eight hundred and Seventy five dollars 
be raized and assessed in the usual way to repair llie highways 
and Level the Meeting house plat — (to wit) that Six hundred 
and twenty five dollars of the same be expended by the Surveyor 
on the Publick roads and the other two hundred and fift}- dollars 
be expended on the Meeting house plat and that caeli Surveyor 
shall work out the two Seventh parts of his tax bill on the said 
House plat under the direction of Capt John Robinson chairman 
of the committee to build the meeting house whenever he shall 
request it and that a single poll shall be assessed the same sum in 
said Highway Tax as Usual Viz Three shillings and nine pence or 
half a da3's work. 

Voted To allow one dollar and twenty five cents pr daj- for a 
Man and one dollar and twenty five cents for team for work on 
the Highwa}- — 

Voted That that neat Cattle Horses and Horse kind shall not 
run at large witliin the Limits of this Town the current year with- 
out a keeper — 

The Inhabitants brought in their votes for County Treasurer and 
the same being counted by the Selectmen & Town Clerk it was 
declared that Isaac Bullard had twenty nine votes 

Voted That the brick school House be given up to Mr Peter 
Banner carpenter for building the Meeting House for his use diu*- 
ing the summer season — 

Voted Tiiat the Selectmen be directed and thej' are hereby 
directed to Engage Mr Fisher to teach school in the School house 
in the Middle district One month from the first day of Apri. next 
— and that Mr Loud the yearlj- school master continue to Teach 
school in the North school house four months from the first da}- of 
April next, then he or whoever the Selectmen shall engage after 
his time is out to teach the 3'early school) shall teach school four 



464 

months in the school house in the North District from the Jfirst day 
of August next — 

Voted That a Womans school be kept in the school house in the 
North district Three months from the first day of August next — 

Voted That a womans School be kept in the school house in the 
middle district three months from the first day of Maj' next — 

Voted That a Mans School be kept in the North District one 
Month from the first day of November next — 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without day and was 
adjourned accordingl}^ — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Brookline 
warnd as the Constitution directs and holden on the first day of 
April 1805 being the first Monday in Said month for the purpose 
of giving in their votes for a Governor and Leiutenant Governor 
for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Senators for the dis- 
trict of Norfolk — 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes as follows Viz — For 
Governor — 

37 Votes for his Excellency Caleb Strong Esq 
45 " " Hon James Sullivan Esq. 

Lent Governor — 
34 " his Hon Edw'd H Robbins Esq. 
45 " Hon Will'm Heath Esq'r 

1 " ^ Hon Fisher Ames Esq. 

1 " Capt Joseph Jones 

Senators 

45. for the Hon John Howe Esq. 
45 Hon John Ellis Esq. 

36 Samuel Bass Esq. 

33 Thomas Williams Esq. 



4G.'5 

5 Votes for The Hon Sainncl Haven Esq. 
1 Hon Edw'd H Bobbins Esq. 

1 Hon Moses Everett Esq. 

1 George W. Stearns 

1 Daniel Gibbs 

Then the meeting was Dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline April 1. 1805. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
warned according to Law — 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen moderator 

Mr Caleb Craft Mr William Ackers Colo Isaac S. Gardner, Mr 
Samuel Slack, and IMr Thaddeus Jackson were chosen a Com- 
mittee to veiw the Church Lot in Needham. and Keport to the 
Town at next Ma}- meeting whether in Their Judgment it is expe- 
dient to Sell the "Wood standing on Said Lot — 

Voted That the deficient surveyors of Highwaj's for the Years 
1803 and 1804 be authorized and empowered to call on the several 
Persons Taxed in their Lists to work out their Taxes b}' the 10th 
da}' of May next and Collect the taxes of Such persons or Persons 
as refuse to work out the same and if any Person or persons shall 
refuse or neglect to work out or pay the sum or sums he or they 
are assessed in Said lists on or before the said 10th day of May 
the Assessors are directed and they are hereby directed to deliver 
to the Said delinquent Surveyors Warrants of Distress in form 
prescribed by Law for Collecting the Same — 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without day and was 

adjourned accordingly 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Town meeting May IG. 1805. 
The Selectmen moderators — 
Voted To send a Representative the current year. 



466 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Representative the 
same being counted b}^ the Selectmen and there appeared to be 
twenty seven votes for Stephen Sharp and declaration was made 
accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Town meeting May 16. 1805. 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen moderator. 

The Report of the committee for examining The Town Treas- 
rers and School treasurers accounts being read by the chairman of 
said Committee — 

And the Town voted to Accept the report 

Voted To raize Two Thousand Dollars on Polls, real & Personal 
Estate of the Inhabitants for the purpose of paying the Rev'd Mr 
Peirce his Sallary and defraying the Expences of the Town the 
current year — 

Voted That the Town Treasurer be directed to call on Ebenezer 
Weld and Phineas Child to pay the Notes in the Town Treasurers 
hands against them — 

Voted To accept the report of the Towns committee appointed 
to examine the Towns Lot in Needham — 

Voted That the selectmen be directed and they are hereby 
directed to call a meeting of the Inhabitants of this Town to be 
holden on the first Tuesday in October next — in case there is no 
Town meeting called before that time — 

To know whether the Town will Sell all or any part of the 
Wood on the Towns ministerial Lot in Needham, and Direct when 
and in what manner it shall be Sold and choose agents for that 
purpose — 

Voted That this town will not consent that John Harris and his 
Estates may be seperated from the Parish in this Town and 
annexed to the third Parish in Roxbury — 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



467 

BrookUne June 19. 1805 

At a legiil meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Brook- 
line — 

►Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator — 

Tlie Honorable Stephen Iligginson Esquire offered To make a 
present to the Town of a Bell and apperatus lately imported from 
London if they please to Accept of it — 

Voted That tlie Town gratefull}' accept the same and return their 
Thanks to the Honorable Mr Iligginson for his valuable present — 

Voted That Stephen Sharp Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r and Mr 
Ebenezer Heath be a committee to wait on the Ilon'ble Stephen 
Iligginson Esquire and present him the Thanks of the town and a 
Copy of the Preceeding Votes respecting the Bell — 

Voted That Mr Ebenezer Heath be a committee to get the 
following Inscription inscribed on the New Bell — 

Viz — The Gift of the Honorable Stephen Higginson Esquire 
to the Town of Brookline 1805. 

Voted That Capt John Robinson Mr Nathaniel Murdock and 
Mr Ebenezer Heath be a committee to Dispose of the old Bell — 

Voted To Sell the Wood on the Towns ministerial Lot in Need- 
ham except Sixteen cords which is to be reserved for the Reverend 
Mr Peirce for the next Winter — 

Voted That the committee appointed at last May meeting to 
examine the Towns ministerial Lot in Needham be a committee to 
sell the wood standing on Said Lot in such a way as the}' shall 
think most Beneficial to the Town and that the Proceeds of the 
sale of said wood to be paid into the Town Treasurer and he is 
directed to let the same and the Interest to be expended for the 
purpose of purchasing Wood for the Minister 3'early — 

Then the meeting was atljourned Avithout day 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 



468 

holden on the 6tli day of February 1806 at the Meeting house — 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to the Brick School house 
and was adjourned accordingly where being Met 

Voted To choose a committee to remonstrate to the General 
court at their present session against the Petition of John Harris 
to be set of with his Estate from the Parish in this Town and 
annexed to the Third Parish in Roxbury — 

William Aspinwall Esq'r Stephen Sharp and Isaac S. Gardner 
Esq'r were chosen a committee to remonstrate to the General 
Court at their present session against the prayer of the Petition of 
Mr John Harris and his Estates to be sett of from the Parish in 
Brookline and annexed to the Third Parish in Roxburj'- being 
Granted 

William Aspinwall Esquire declined serving on said committee, 
Mr Ebenezer Heath was chosen in his room — 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
at the Meeting House holden on the 10th day of March 1806 — 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator — 

Voted To Choose five persons to serve the Town as Select- 
men and Assessors the ensuing year and that they be chosen 
together — 

Stephen Sharp, Samuel Croft, Samuel Clark John Robinson 
and Joseph Goddard were chosen Selectmen and Assessors — 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk — 

Stephen Sharp was Chosen Town Treasurer — 

Elijah Corey was Chosen surveyor of Highways for the 1st 
North District — 

Samuel Griggs for the Second North District 

Ebenezer Richards for the Middle District 

John Harris for the 1st South district — 

Abel Merriam for the 2 South district 



469 

John Lucas Jonatlian Dana, Thaddeiis Jackson and Adam 
Howe were chosen Hogreaves — 

Mr Natli'l Murdock, and Jauics Ilolden were chosen survej'ors 
of Wood and Lumber 

Benjamin Davis and Abraham Farwcll were chosen Fence 
veiwers — 

Enos "NVilhington and Samuel Slack were chosen Tythingmen — 

Tliomas White was chosen Clerk of the Market 

Jonas Tolman was chosen Sealer of Leather — 

James Leeds and Samuel Slack Avere chosen feild drivers 

Jonathan Jackson was chosen Pound keeper — 

Benjamin Davis, John Aspiuwall Ebenezer Heath and Colo 
Isaac S. Gardner were chosen Firewards — 

Voted To hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes 

Elijah Child offered to serve as Constable and Collector of 
Taxes for one shilling and eleven pence on the pound on all taxes 
he shall collect allowing a deduction of one shilling and sixpence 
on the pound to all persons who pay their Taxes by tiie fust day 
of Januar}' next — 

The Town accept his offer and make choice of him as their 
Constable and collector of Taxes for the ensuing year 

William Aspinwall Colo Isaac S. Gardner and Ebenezer Heath 
were chosen a committee to Examine the Town Treasurers & 
School Treasurers accounts and report a statement therof to the 
Town at May meeting — ■ 

Capt Joseph Goddard Colo Gardner and AVilliam Ackers were 
chosen a committee to Examine the Towns Stock of Arms, 
Uniform &c. 

Voted That the sum of Eight hundred and seventy five dollars 
be raized and assessed in the usual way for to Repair the High- 
ways and to level the meeting house plat that Six hundred and 
Twenty five dollars of the same be expended b}* the surveyors on 
the Publick roads and the other two hundred and fifty dollars be 

60 



470 

expended on the meeting house plat — and that each surveyor shall 
work out two sevenths parts of his Tax list on the said meeting 
house plat under the direction of John Robinson chairman of the 
committee for Building a meeting house whenever he shall require 
it and that a single poll shall be assessed the same sum in said 
Highway Tax as Usual Viz. Three shillings and nine pence or half 
a days work — 

Voted To allow one dollar and Twenty five cents ^ day for a 
Man and One dollar and Twenty five cents ^ day for a team for 
work on the Highways — 

Then the meeting was adjourned without day. 

Attest. Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 7th day of April 1806. for the purpose of giving in 
their votes, for Governor, Leiutenant Governor and Senators 
aarreable to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts — Votes for the following persons were given in counted and 
sorted and Declaration thereof made Viz — 

For Governor. 
44 Votes for his Excellency Caleb Strong Esq. 

44 " Hon James Sullivan Esq. 

Leutenant Governor 
40 Votes for his Hon. Edward H Bobbins Esq. 

45 " Hon William Heath Esq. 

1 " Hon Timothy Bigelow Esq. 

Senators 

46 Votes for the Hon John Ellis Esq. 
44 " Hon John Howe 

34 Votes for Elijah Crane Esq. 

13 " Thomas Williams Esq. 

6 Isaac S. Gardner Esq. 

6 Capt Aron Davis 



471 

5 Votes for Jolin Baxter Esq. 

4 " lion Ebcnezer Warren Esq 

1 " Hon Nath Ames Esq. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Ajml 7. 180G — At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town 
of Brookline 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

Voted That the Thanks of the Town be given to Mr Thomas 
"Wallcy for his handsome present of an Elegant New Bible to the 
Town — 

The Rev. John Pierce was chosen a Committee to waite on Mr. 
Walley and thank him in behalf of the Town for the handsome 
present of an Elegant New Bible. 

Eliphalet Spurr was chosen a Selectman in room of Capt. 
Joseph Goddard who declined serving — 

Voted That Horses Horse kind and neat Cattle shall not run at 
large within the limits of this Town the currant year without a 
keeper — 

Voted That the afternoon service on Sabbath days from the first 
day of May to the last day of August begin at Three O'clock — 

Then the meeting was adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

May 15, 1806 — 
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline the 
Selectmen being Moderators. 
Voted To Send a Representative — 
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes as follows 
Eighty five was the whole number of Votes. 
Fort}' three Voles makes a choice — 
Isaac S. Gardner Esq hud Thirt}' Seven Votes — 
Caleb Craft had one Vote — 



472 

Stephen Sharp Esquire had forty seven Votes and was chosen 
and the Vote was declared accordhigly — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Town meeting May 15 180G. 
Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen moderator — 
The committee for examining the Town treasurers and the 

School Treasurers accounts Reported — 
Voted To accept the Report of said Committee — 
Voted To raise the sum of Two Thousand one hundred dollars 

to pay the Rev'd Mr. Pierce his Sallary and defray the usual 

expenses of the Town the current year — 
Then the Meeting was Dissolved — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town clerk 

At a meeting of the Town of Brookline on Thursday 22d day of 
May 1806. 

Voted To choose a committee to examine the accounts of the 
committee emplo3'ed to Superintend the Building of the New 
meeting house and make their Report at the adjournment of this 
meeting. 

Mr Thomas White Mr Thomas Walley and Mr William Mar- 
shall were chosen a committee for the above said purpose 

Voted That the cost of Building the new meeting house and the 
Interest of any sum or suras of mone}' that ma}^ have been borrowed, 
to pay for building the Same The money voted to the pew holders 
in the old Meeting house and all such other charges as may have 
arisen in consequence of Building the new Meeting House (except 
the land it stands on) be added together and the aggregate sum 
be apportioned on the whol number of Pews except one assigned 
for the Ministers Family) according to the respective value of each 
Pew. 

Voted That the right to choose any Pew (subject to the condi- 
tions hereafter mentioned) shall be sold to the highest Bidder at 



473 

Pii))lic Auction being a freeholder or Inhabitant of the Town of 
Brooklinc and all Non residents being proprietors of Land in the 
said Town and those Persons belonging to the first Parish in Rox- 
bnr}' who live west of Muddy River and adjoining Brookline may 
have an equal priviledgc to bid at said Auction and purchase a 
pew provided they or any of them signif}- their Intention to bid 
for the same to the Town Clerk on the day before the sale and the 
Purchaser shall make his choice forthwith, and shall pay the sum 
he shall bid for his choice together with the sum apportioned on 
the Pew of his choice in the following manner Viz Twenty ^ cent 
down (which shall be forfeited unless the succeeding payments be 
made at the times stipulated) and twenty ,|pcent within every sixty 
succeeding days after the time of Sale untill the whole is paid with 
the interest on the said payments from the time of sale — 

Voted That a deed shall be given by the Town Clerk to each 
purchaser when his or her payments are completed provided they 
are made in due season otherwise the purchaser shall not be 
entitled to his Deed and shall forfeit his Pew and all former pay- 
ments to the Town. 

Voted That no person shall purchase more than one Pew until 
all the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Brookline and all the Non 
residents and Roxbury people Avho ma}- have liberty to purchase 
Shall have had an opportunit}* to purchase one pew — 

Voted That the Town Clerk shall purchase a Book and record 
therein the Deeds of the Pews and the number of each Pew the 
Sum assessed upon said number and the sum bid at auction for 
the choice of said number, and the Town Clerk Shall make a 
record of all Transfers within three months from the date of the 
same. 

Voted Tliat a committee be appointed to apportion the cost and 
cliarges of Building tlie new Meeting house and the cost of the 
Pews in the old Meeting house on the Pews in the New Meeting 
house excepting on the Pew assigned to the ministers family. 



474 

That said Committee direct and superintend the Vendue and act 
for and in behalf of the Town in all respects as far as relates to 
selling the Pews and they ma}" sell part or all the Pews or stop or 
adjourn the Auction at their discretion. The committee for build- 
ing the meeting house were appointed for the above purpose Viz 
Deacon John Robinson, Mr. Ebenezer Heath, William Aspin- 
wall Esquire Stephen Sharp Esquire Isaac S. Gardner Esquire 
Capt Joseph Goddard Mr William Ackers and Deacon Samuel 
Clark 

Voted That the money which shall be obtained from the sales of 
the old Meetinghouse and the money that the Pews in the new 
meetinghouse shall sell for more than the whole assessment on the 
same and other Incidental charges to pay any future expenses for 
cleaning the meetinghouse shall be and is hereb}^ appropriated to 
repair and Paint the Parsonage house and Fences To pay for the 
Lot of Land to build the new Meeting house on and to remove 
Enlarge and rebuild the Brick School house and fill up the hollow 
west of the same and the remainder to such purposes as the Town 
shall think best, 

Voted That a committee be appointed to pull down the old Meet- 
ing house and sell the same in Lots as they may Judge most for 
the Towns Interest — 

Mr Nath'l Murdock Mr James Holden Deacon John Robinson, 
Mr Ebenezer Heath and Mr William Ackers were appointed a com- 
mittee to pull down and dispose of the old meeting house agreea- 
ble to the above Vote. 

Voted That the Town Treasurer be and he is hereby appointed 
and authorized to Receive all the payments for Pews in the new 
Meeting house that may be Sold and pay the Debts owing by the 
Town for building the Same. 

Voted That the Rev'd John Pierce have the improvement of the 
Town's land inclosed on the lot purchased to Build the New Meet- 
ing house on — 



475 

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to Tuesday next at three 
o'clock in the afternoon then to meet at this Place 
Then the meeting was adjourned accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town clerk 

Brookline May 27. 1806— 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Bi'ooklinc at the 
old Meeting house b}- adjournment from 22d May current — 

Stephen Sharp being moderator 

Voted To accept the Report of the Committee chosen to audit 
the accounts of the committee for building the New Meeting house 

Voted To choose a standing committee to superintend and and 
take care of the New Meeting house, the Yard and all the appur- 
tenances, and the said committee shall serve till another is chosen 
in its pla(;e which shall be at the pleasui-e of the Town, at March 
or April meeting annually 

Voted That no Pew holder shall make any alteration in his or 
her Pew except in the Seat and Ledges below the railing, neither 
shall any hooks, ledges cloak pins or any other thing be fixed to 
the walls windows columns or an}- other part of the meeting house 
without the consent and approl)ation of said committee 

Voted That to perserve Uuiformit}' and regularity no person 
shall erect any shed post or any other thing within the Yard of 
the New Meeting house without the consent and approbation of the 
said standing Meeting house committee or of the Town. 

The Selectmen were chosen a committee for the above purpose 

Voted That the Auction of the Pews in the New meeting house 
shall be on Thursday 5th June next and begin at ten O'clock in the 
forenoon that notice shall forthwith be given to the Inhabitants of 
the Town by the constable directed by the Selectmen, that the 
Committee appointed to superintend the auction be requested to 
give Suitable notice of the Auction to non resident proprietors and 
others who have permission to buy a pew and that the Town 



476 

Clerk be directed to cause four notifications of the auction to be 
posted up in different parts of tlie Town — 

Voted That the Dedication of the New Meeting liouse be on 
Wednesday the Eleventh day of June next — Devine worship to 
begin precisely at Three O'Clock, in the afternoon and that the 
Church and Congregation of this Town will assemble at the said 
New Meeting house for the purpose of Divine Worship on the 
next Sunday (June 15.) and afterwards forever. 

Then the meeting adjourned without day. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Brookline August 21. 1806 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline at 
the Brick School house 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Moderator 

Voted To repair and paint the Parsonage house and build a new 
fence in front of said house like the fences in front of Mr Thomas 
Walley's house and a board rail fince on each side of the Fence 
front of said Parsonage house as far as the land of the parsonage 
extends. 

Voted To build a Wood Shed on the Parsonage 

Voted To cut down the Butterwood tree standing near the old 
Meeting house Yard. 

Voted That the Old Meeting house yard be added and it is here- 
"by added to the Parsonage 

Voted To build a board rail Fence in the front of said Old 
meeting house j'ard 

Voted To move and repair the parsonage Barn 

Voted To set Trees around the New Meeting house yard 

Deacon John Robinson Mr Nathaniel Murdock and Mr Eben-, 
ezer Heath were chosen a committee to carry into effect the above^ 
Votes 

Then The meeting was then adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



477 

Brooldine Novem 3, 1806 
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Urookline 
qualified b}^ the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts to vote for Representative holden on the 3d Day of Novem- 
ber 1806 for the purpose of Giving in their votes for a representa- 
tive in the Congress of the United States for the District of 
Norfolk. 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes as follows 
Viz 22 Votes for the Hon Ebenezer Seaver Esquire 

6 " for His Hon Edward H. Ilobbins Esquire 
1 " for Thomas Boylston Adams Esq'r 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
at the Brick School House holden on the 9th daj- of March 1807 

Stephen Sharp Esquire w'as chosen Moderator 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Town Clerk 

Voted To choose three Selectmen 

Voted To reconsider the vote to choose three selectmen and 
choose five Selectmen 

Stephen Sharp Esquire Capt Samuel Croft Deacon Samuel 
Clark Deacon John Robinson and Eliphalet Spurr were chosen 
Selectmen and Assessors for the ensuing ^oar 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Town Treasurer 

Elijah Core}' was Chosen Surveyor of the IIighwa3's for the 1st 
North District 

Samuel Easterbrooks for the 2d North district 

Isaac S. Gardner Esquire for the Middle district 

Caleb Craft Jun. for the 1st South District 

Capt Nath Ingersol for 2d South District. 

Joseph Griggs, Capt Joseph Jones, Timothy Corey juu'r and 
Samuel White were chosen Hogreaves 

James Holden and Nath Murdock were chosen surveyors of 

Lumber, 

61 



478 

Eliplialot Siourr was chosen clerk of the Market 

James Leeds was chosen Sealer of Leather 

Charles Stearns and Henry Atherton were chosen field drivers 

Jonathan Jackson was chosen pound Keeper 

Joseph Griggs and Elijah Corey were chosen T3-thingmen 

John Aspinwall Eben'r Heath Cols Isaac S Gardner and John 
Robinson were chosen firewards 

Voted To hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes 

Elijah Child offered to serve as constable and Collector of Taxes 
for one shilling and Eleven pence on the pound on all Taxes he 
shall collect allowing a deduction of one shilling and six pence on 
the pound to all persons that shall pay their Taxes by the first 
day of January next, 

William Aspinwall Esq Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r and Mr. Eben'r 
Heath were chosen a committee to examine the Town Treasurers 
and school Treasurers accounts, 

Capt Joseph Goddard Col Isaac S. Gardner and Mr William 
Ackers were chosen a committee to examine the Towns Stock of 
Arms Uniform &c, 

Voted That the sum of Six hundred and Twenty five dollars be 
raised to Repair the Highways to be assessed on the last years 
Valuation and worked out b}' the surveyors in the usual way Viz 
allowing one dollar and twenty five cents pr Day for a man & 
One dollar and twenty five cents for a team and the single poll to 
be taxed half a days work 

Col Isaac S. Gardner, Mr Ebenezer Heath and Mr Jonathan 
Hammond were chosen a Committee to agree with the agents for 
Building Worcester turnpike relative to the Road from Mr God- 
dards land to Mr Heath's corner and to do what in their Judge- 
ment may be most for the Benefit of the Town respecting the 
Same 

Voted To Allow the South District fifty dollars over and above 
their proportion of the Highway tax for the current year to be 



479 

worked out on the IIighw:i3s under the direction of Mr Caleb 
Craft who is hereb}' appointed for that purpose, said sum to be 
drawn out of the Treasury l)}- the Selectmen's order — 

Voted Tliat D'u John Robinson Mr Nathaniel Murdock and 
Mr Ebenezer Heath be a committee to exatnine the meeting house 
Yard and Report to the Town how many sheds ma}- be erected 
Avithout discommoding said yard and where it will be most conven- 
ient to set them, 

Voted Unanimousl}- that this Town will not consent that mr. 
John Harris ma}- be set off with any part of his Estate to the 
Third Parish in Roxburj-^ 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for County Treasurer 
Viz Twenty six Votes for Isaac BuUard 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Tpwn of Brook- 
line in the Count}- of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts qualified b}- the Constitution to Vote for Governor Lieu- 
tenant Governor Senators and Counsellors holden on the Sixth 
day of April being the first Monda}- of said Month in the Year of 
our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and seven for the purpose 
of giving in their Votes for, Governor Lieutenant Governor and 
senators and Counsellors of said Commonwealth, 

Votes for the following persons were given in Sorted and 
Counted and declaration thereof made Viz. 
For Governor 
GO Votes for the Hon Samuel Sullivan Esq 
51 for His Excellenc}- Caleb Strong Esq 

For Lieut. Governor 
61 Votes for Hon. Levi Lincoln Esq 
47 " His Hon. Edward H Robbins Esq 
1 " Hon Timothy Bigclow Esq 

1 " Hon Thomas Hutcheuson Esq 



480 

[Senators] 
61 Votes for the Hon John Howe 
56 " Mr Ebenezer Fisher 

49 " Capt Aron Davis 

47 " Gen'l Elijah Crane 

1 " Joseph Bernns 

1 " Dav'd S. Greenough Esq — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
hoklen on the 6th day of April 1807. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen to serve on the committee 
for examining the Town treasurers and Treasurers accounts in 
Room of Doct Aspinwall who declined serving 

Voted That Horses Horse Kind and neat cattle shall not run at 
large within thp Limits of this Town the current year without a 
keeper. 

Then the meeting was adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the qualified Voters in the Town of Brookline 
legally warned and assembled for the purpose of choosing a Rep- 
resentative holden on the 14th da}' of Ma}' 1807 
The Selectmen being Moderators 
Voted To send a Representative 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Representative and 
upon Counting and Sorting the Votes there appeared to be 
43 Votes for Stephen Sharp 
9 Votes for John Robinson 

2 " for Thomas White 
and declaration was made accordingly 
Then the meeting was adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



481 

Town Meeting May lilh 1807 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

The Report of the committee chosen to examine the Town 
treasurers and School Treasurers accounts being read The Town 

Voted To accept said report 

Voted To raize Two Thousand two hundred dollars to pay the 
Rev'd John Fierce his Salary and defray the usual expenses of the 
Town the current 3'ear, 

Voted That Capt Timothy Corey and Elijah Corey have liberty 
and they are hereby granted liberty to build a Tomb in the Bury- 
ing place 

And the selectmen were chosen a committee to direct where said 
Tomb shall be built. 

Voted That Samuel Easterbrook Surveyor for the current year 
be directed and he is hereby directed to repay the Stones borrowed 
by Samuel Griggs Surve3-or for 1805 out of the stones that belong 
to the Town and that Mr Samuel Griggs superintend the 
business — 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r John Robinson and Thomas "Walley 
were chosen a committee to examine the Town treasurers accounts 
respecting money borrowed and paid out to build the meeting 
house and respecting money received for Pews and paid out, 

To examine the accounts of the committee for building the 
meeting house and the accounts of the committee for pulling down 
and Selling the old meeting house and to lay an account of partic- 
ulars before the Town at the next Town meeting 

Then the meeting was adjourned without day. 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Iuhal)itants of the Town of Brookline 
warned and assembled according to Law holden on the 1 1th da}' 
of March 1808 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 



482 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

Voted To choose five Selectmen 

Stephen Sharp. Capt Samuel Croft, Samuel Clark John Robin- 
son and Eliphalet Spurr were chosen Selectmen, 

Enos Withington was chosen Surveyor of the Highways and 
Town wa3^s for the 1st North district 

Joshua Griggs for the Second North District 

Benjamin White jun'r for the Middle district 

Elijah Child for the 1st South district 

Nathaniel Murdock for the 2 South district 

Eo. S. Davis, Isaac Farrington and Samuel White were chosen 
Hogreaves 

Nath. Murdock & Geo W. Stearns were chosen Surveyors of 
Wood & Lumber 

Eliphalet Spurr was chosen elk of the Market 

Jonas Tolman was chosen Sealer of Leather 

Capt Joshua C Clark and John Harris were chosen Field 
drivers 

Jonas Tolman and Joshua Griggs were chosen Tjrthingmen 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq Eben'r Heath John Robinson and John 
Aspinwall were chosen Fire wards 

Jonathan Jackson was chosen pound keeper 

Voted To hire a constable and collector of Taxes 

Elijah Child offered to Serve as constable and collector of Taxes 
for one shilling and eleven pence on the pound for all taxes he 
shall collect allowing a deduction of one shilling and six pence on 
the pound to all persons that shall pay their Taxes by the first 
day of January next. 

The Town accept his offer and made choice of him for their 
constable and collector of Taxes 

Voted To give the Rev'd John Pierce one hundred and fifty 
dollars pr year in addition to his Stated Salar}^ beginning the 12th 
of March last, to be continued during the pleasure of the Town, 



483 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq Ebenezer Heath and John Robinson were 
cliosen a comniittce to examine the Town Treasurers and School 
Treasurer's accounts, 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r Capt Joseph Goddard and Majoc Joseph 
Jones were chosen a committee to examine the Town's stock of 
arms, Uniform, Ammunition &c. 

Joseph Griggs and Samuel Slack were chosen fence Viewers 

Voted To raize the sum of six hundred and twent}- five dollars 
to repair tlie Highways and tliat said sum be assessed and worked 
out under tlie direction of tlie surve3-ors in tlie usual way 

Capt Joshua C. Clark was chosen to take care of the Town's 
uniform. 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Count}' Treasurer 
Viz 25 Votes for Isaac Bullard 

Voted To give the Rev'd John Pierce Fifty dollars for collecting 
materials for his century sermon 

Then the meeting was adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town clerk 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
in the County of Norfolk and commonwealth of IVIassachusetts 
qualified by the Constitution to Vote for Governor and Lieutenant 
Governor holden on the fourth day of April being the first Monday 
in Said jMonth in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hun- 
dred and Eight for the purpose of giving in their Votes for Gov- 
ernor and Lieutenant Governor of said Commonwealth and for 
Senators and Counsellors for the District of Norfolk 

Vtites for the following persons were given in sorted and 
counted Record and declaration thereof made as by the constitu- 
tion is directed 

Viz for Governor 

G4 Votes for his Excelency James Sullivan Esq 
40 '' lion Christo'r Gore Eaq 



484 

Lieut Governor 
64 Votes for the Hon Levi Lincoln Esq 
45 " Hon Daniel Cobb Esq 

1 " David Crane Esq 

1 " Samuel Slack Esq 

[Senators] 
63 Votes for the Hon John Howe Esq 

47 " Elijah Crane Esq 

37 " Ebenezer Fisher Esq 

48 " Stephen Baulam Esq 
16 " William Brewer Esq 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 12th day of May 1808 for the purpose of choosing a 
Representative 

The Selectmen Moderators 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes as follows Viz 

Thirty four Votes for Stephen Sharp Esquire and declaration 
was made accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Town meeting May 12 1808 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 12th of May 1808. 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Moderator 

The committee chosen last March meeting to examine the Town 
Treasurers and School Treasurs accounts — laid an account of 
particulars before the Town 

The Town Voted to accept the Same 

Voted To raize Two Thousand dollars to pay the Rev'd John 
Pierce his Salary and Defray the usual P^xpenses of the Town the 
current yCcti* 



485 

Voted That neat Cattlo Horses and Horse; kind shall not run at 
large within the Limits of this Town the cnrrent year without a 
keeper. 

Voted That the Selectmen be a committee to examine a new- 
road throuiih the land by Caleb CraCt, John Goddard and Thad- 
deus Jackson, and Report their opinion at the next November 
meeting whether it is expedient for the Town to accept said road 
as a Town Road. 

Voted That the sum of Seventy dollars be granted and it is 
hereby granted for the purpose of Repairing this Town's Stock of 
Uniforms Coats &c and that said sum be assessed in the next Town 
Tax. 

General Gardner Capt Goddard and Capt Robinson were Qhosen 
a committee to expend said money for the above purpose 

\'oted That Capt Joseph Goddard have liberty to build a Tomb 
in the burying yard 

Then the meeting was adjourned without da}- — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
in the County of Norfolk and Connnonwealth of Massachusetts 
qualitied b3-the Constitution to vote for representatives in the Gen- 
eral Court holden on the 7th day of November being the first monday 
in said month in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight luin- 
dred and Eight for the purpose of giving in their Votes for a Rep- 
resentative of the said Commonwealth in the congress of the 
United States for the district of Norfolk. Votes for the following 
persons were given in, Sorted Counted, Record and declaration 
thereof made as is bj- Law directed — Viz 

For the Hon P^benezer Seaver Esq'r forty six Votes 
Hon Edward H. Rollins forty Votes 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 
62 



486 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline holden on 
the 6th day of March 1809. 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Moderator 

Voted To choose three persons to serve as Selectmen and Asses- 
sors the ensuing j-ear 

Stephen Sharp Esquire Capt Samuel Croft & Deacon Samuel 
Clark were chosen to serve as Selectmen and assessors 

Capt Croft and Deacon Clark declined serving and Major Rob- 
inson and Mr Eliphalet Spurr were chosen in their Room 

Stephen Sharp Esq'r was chosen Town Clerk 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Town Treasurer 

Mr Timoth}' Corey Jun Major Joseph Jones Mr John Lucas Mr 
Joseph AYinship and Capt Joseph Goddard were chosen Survey- 
ors of Highwaj's ' 

George W. Stearns, Samuel White and John Woodward Jun 
were chosen Hogreaves 

Nathaniel Murdock and George W. Stearns were chosen sur- 
ve^'ors of Wood and Lumber. 

William Lawton was chosen clerk of the INIarket 

Jonas Tolman was chosen Sealer of Leather 

Capt Joshua Clark and Ebenezer Heath were chosen Field 
drivers 

Robert S. Davis and Joseph Griggs were chosen Fence Viewers 

Timothy Core}' Jun & Joseph Griggs were chosen Tythingmen 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq Ebenezer HeathMaj'r John Robinson and 
John Aspinwall were chosen Firewards 

Benjamin White jun'r was chosen pound keeper 

Voted To Hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes for the year 
ensuing 

Elijah Child offered to serve as Constable and Collector of Taxes 
for one shilling and eleven pence on the pound for all taxes he 
shall collect allowing one shilling and six pence on the pound to 
all persons that shall pay their taxes on or before the first da}' of 
January next 



487 

The Town accoptcd his offer and made choice of him as their 
constable and collector of Taxes 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq Mr Elienozor Ilouth and Major John 
Robinson were chosen a committee to examine the Town 
Treasnrers and School treasnrcrs accounts and report at May 
meeting 

Capt Goddard Maj'r Robinson and Major Jones were chosen a 
committee to examine the Towns stock of arms Ammunition &c — 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for county Treasurer 
Viz Thirty Six Votes for Jolin BuUard. 

^'oted To raize the sum of Six hundred and twenty five dollars 
to repair the IIighwa3's the present year 

Voted Not to excuse the Engine men from serving as Jurors 

Voted That Neat cattle Horses and horse kind shall not run at 
large within the Limits of this Town the curvent year without a 
keeper 

Capt Goddard Capt Clark, and Mr Nathaniel Murdock were 
chosen a committee to examine the road leading from the Brick 
School house to Mrs Bojdstons 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without day 

Then the meeting was adjourned accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



At a legal mooting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
qualified by the constitution to Vote for Governor and Lieutenant 
Governor and Senators holden on the third day of April being the 
first Monday in said month in the Year of our Lord one Thousand 
eight hundred and nine for the purpose of giving in their votes for 
Governor and Lieutenant Go.vernor of said commonwealth and 
Senators and Counsellors for the District of Norfolk 

Votes for the following persons were given in, Sorted, Counted 



488 



Record and declaration made thereof as b}' the Constitution is 
directed Viz 

for Governor 
His Hon Levi Lincoln Esq 77 Votes 

Hon Christo'r Gore Esq 61 Votes 

For Lieut Governor 
Hon Jos. B Varnum Esq 77 Votes 

David Cobb Esq 01 " 

For Senators 
Hon John Howe 73 Votes 

Samuel Day Esq 72 '' 

Hon Elijah Crane Esq 58 " 

James Richardson 57 " 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the Third day of April 1809 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Moderator 

Voted Not to excuse John Lucas esquire from serving as sur- 
vej'Or of Roads for the middle district 

Mr William Ackers was chosen survej'or of Roads in Room of 
John Lucas Esquire in case he declines serving and pays his 
fine 

Voted That the Town will be at the Expense of purchasing 
Lumber to build a pound in the Lower part of the Town 

Mr Joseph Griggs Robert S. Davis and Mr Thomas Walle}' 
were chosen a committee to provide a place and build a pound in 
the Lower Part of the Town 

Voted That the Town will give One hundred dollars towards 
Supporting Three womans schools the summer Season Viz one 
in the North district one in the South district and one in the Mid- 
dle district 



489 

Mr Ebenczer Richards Deacon John TJ(j])inson — and Mr Elijah 
Chikls were chosen a counnittec to provich* School Mistrisses 
Mr Joseph Gri^rgs was chosen ponnd keeper 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

May \Sth 1800 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of choosing a Representative The Selectmen being 
Moderators 

Voted To Send a Representative 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Representative 

The Same being counted b}' the Selectmen there was forty seven 
Votes for Stephen Sharp Esquire 

and declaration made that he was Unanimously chosen 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Town Meeting Ma?/ IStk 1809 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

The committee on accounts made their report which was 
accepted by a Vote of the Town 

Voted To raize the sum of Two thousand seven hundred dol- 
lars to defray the expenses of the current 3'car and pay the Rev- 
erend Mr John Pierce his Salary 

Voted To accept the Report of the committee on Military 
Stores 

Voted That Capt Goddard Capt CUark & Mr Nath Murdock 
be a committee to move and set the wall at the curve of the road 
leading to Mrs. Boylstons as now Staked out at the expense of 
the Town 

The Selectmen were chosen a committee to give Mr. Perkins 
lilierty to Straighten the wall between his land and the Road 
opposite Capt Babcocks provide it does not damage the road 

Voted To Grant Thirty dollars to the singing Society 

Then the meeting was adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 



490 



At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line holden on the 12th day of March 1810. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

Voted To choose Three men to serve as Selectmen and 
assessors 

Stephen Sharp Major John Robinson and Mr Eliphalet Spurr 
were chosen Selectmen and assessors 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 

Major John Robinson was chosen surve^^or of the highways for 
the first North district 

Mr Eliphalet Spurr for the 2d North district 

Mr Eben'r Richards for the Middle district 

Mr Henry Atherton for the first South district 

Mr John Warren for the 2 South district 

Mr David Hyslop Mr Robert Harris Mr Artemas Stone Mr 
Abel Hubbard Mr Charles Adams Mr Thad's Jackson Jun Mr 
James White Mr Samuell Phipps and Mr John Frazer were chosen 
Hogreaves 

Mr Eliphalet Spurr was chosen clerk of the market 

Mr Jonas Tolman was cliosen Sealer of Leather 

Mr Samuel Slack and Mr Benjamin White Jun were chosen 
field drivers 

Capt Joshua C Clark and Mr Robert S. Davis were chosen 
Fence Viewers 

Timolh}" Corey and Robert S. Davis were chosen Tythingmen 

Isaac S G-ardner Esq'r Mr Ebenezer Heath Major John Robin- 
son Mr Daniel Pierce and Mr Robert S. Davis were chosen Fire- 
wards 

Mr Daniel Pierce and Mr Robert S Davis were chosen pound 
keepers 

Voted To hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes 

Mr Elijah Child offered to serve as constable and collector of 



491 

taxes for one shilling mid eleven pence on all moneys he shall 
collect allowing a deduction of one shilling and six pence on the 
pound to all persons that pay their Taxes by the first day of 
January next 

Tlie Town accept his orfer and uiade choice of him fur their 
constable and collector of Taxes 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r Mr Ebenezer Heath and Mr Oliver 
"Wh^-te were chosen a committee to examine the Town Treas- 
urers and School treasurer's accounts 

Doct William Aspinwall Esq Major John Robinson and Capt 
Joseph Goddard were chosen a conunittee to examine ac- 
counts relative to the Meeting House 

Major Joseph Jones Capt Joshua C. Clark and Mr Oliver Whyte 
were chosen a committee to examine tlie Towns stock of Arms, 
ammunition Uniform &c. 

Capt George W. Stearns Avas chosen a committee to take charge 
of the Towns Uniforms 

Voted To raize tlie Sum of Six hundred and twenty five dollars 
to be assessed and worked out on the Highwa3's in the Usual wa^- 

The Inhabitants brought in twenty five Votes for County 
treasurer Viz for John BuUard 

Then the Meeting was adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Brook- 
line in the Count}^ of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts qualified b}' the Constitution to Vote for Governor Lieuten- 
ant Governor Senators and Counsellors holden on the Second day 
of April being the first monday in Said mouth in the ^ear of our 
Lord One tliousand Eight hundred and ten for the purpose of 
giving in their Votes for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of 
said Commonwealth and Senators and Counsellers for the district 
of Norfolk. 



492 

Votes for the following persons were given in Sorted, counted, 
Record and declaration thereof made as bj' the Constitution is 
directed to wit 

For Governor 
77 Votes for the Hon Elbridge Gerrj' Esq'r 
51 " His Excellenc}' Christo Gore Esq'r 

For Lieutenant Governor 
76 Votes for the Hon William Gray Esq'r 
48 David Cobb Esq 

For Senators and Counsellors 
79 Votes for the Hon John Howe Esq'r 
73 " Samuel Day 

45 " Gen Elijah Crane 

45 " James Kichardson 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line holden on the 17th da}' of Ma}' 1810 for the purpose of choos- 
ing a Representative 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Representative 
the same being counted by the selectmen, Stephen Sharp Esquire 
had thirty one Votes and was unanimously Chosen and declaration 
was made accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line holden on the 17th day of May 1810. 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was Chosen Moderator 

The report of the committee appointed by the Town to examine 
the the Town treasurers account Relative to the New Meeting 
House was Read 

Voted To accept the Report of said Committee 



493 

The Report of the committee appointed to examine the Town 
treasurers and School treasurers accounts was read 

Voted To accept the Report of said committee 

Voted To raize the Sum of Two Thousand Two hundred dollars 
by a Tax on the Rolls, Real and Personal estates of the Inhabitants 
and on the Estates of Non resident possessors for the purpose of 
paying- the Rev'd John Pierce his stated Salar}' and defraying the 
Usual nccessar}' expenses of the Town the current year 

Voted To abate Abraham Farwells tax for the year 180G 

Voted To abate one half of Abraham Farwells Tax for the year 
1807 

Voted That the Thanks of the Town be given to John Lucas 
Esq for a Present of Four hundred dollars expended in building 
the New Meeting House and purchasing an Elegant clock for the 
same 

Voted That the Thanks of the Town be given to the committee 
for building the Meeting house for their good services 

Voted That the sum of one hundred dollars be granted for the 
purpose of supporting Womens schools the ensuing summer to be 
drawn out of the Treasury'' b}^ the Selectmeus order 

Voted To excuse Henr}- Atherton from serving as surve^-or of 
IIighwa3's in case he pa3's his fine 

Then the Meeting was adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
iK^lden on the 5th da}' of November 1810 being the first monda}- in 
said montii for the purpose of giving in their Votes for a Repre- 
sentative in the Congress of the United States for the district of 
Norfolk the Inhabitants brought in their Votes as follows Viz 
For the lion Ebenezer Seaver 33 Votes 

Timothy Jackson Esq 9 Votes 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 
G3 



494 

At a legal meeting of the Inliabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 11th day of March 1811 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Clerk 

Voted To choose three persons to serve as selectmen & 
assessors. 

Stephen Sharp, Major John Robinson & Capt Joseph Goddard 
were chosen Selectmen and Assessors 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Town Treasurer 

William Aspinwall Esq Robert S. Davis Ebenezer Heath 
Robert Harris and Timoth}- Townsend were chosen survej'ors of 
the Highwaj's 

Capt Joshua C. Clark John Warren Benjamin White Juu and 
Jessee Woodward were chosen Hogreaves 

Nathaniel Murdock and James Holden were chosen Surve3-ors 
of Wood & Lumber 

William Gooch was chosen clerk of the Market 

James Leeds was chosen Sealer of Leather 

Henry Atherton & Samuel Slack were chosen Field drivers 

Capt Joshua C Clark andThaddeus Jackson were chosen Fence 
viewers 

Artemas Stone and James Leeds were chosen Tythingmen 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r Ebenezer Heath Major John Robinson, 
Robert S Davis and Daniel Pierce were chosen Firewards 

Daniel Pierce & Abel Hubbard were chosen pound keepers 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r Major John Robinson and Ebenezer 
Heath were chosen to examine the Town treasurers and school 
treasurers accounts and report at May meeting 

Doct William Aspinwall esq Major John Robinson and Capt 
Joseph Goddard were chosen to examine the Town treasurers 
accounts relative to the meeting house 

Major Joseph Jones Capt Joshua C. Clark and Capt George W, 
Stearns were chosen a committee to examine the Towns stock of 
Uniform, Arms, &c 



495 

Voted To Hire u constable unci collector of Taxes 

Benjamin Bradley oliered to serve as constable and collector of 
Taxes for one Shilling and nine pence on the iwnnd for all taxes 
he shall collect allowing a deduction of 1/6 on the pound to all 
persons that shall pay their Taxes by the 1st day of January' 
next 

The Town accept his offer and made choice of him for their 
constable and collector of Taxes for the present year. 

Mr John llains's petition was read and referred to April meeting 

Voted That Horses, Horse kind and neat cattle shall not run at 
large within the Limits of this Town the current year without a 
keeper 

Voted That a number of Persons, have libert}' and they are 
hereby granted Libert}- to enlarge the Southwest room of the Par- 
sonage house at their own expense 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a County Register 
Viz lift}- Votes for Eliphalet Pond Esquire 

For a County Treasurer fifty Votes for John Bullard 

Then The meeting was adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of giving in their Votes for a Governor and Lieutenant 
Governor for the commonwealth of Massachusetts and Senators 
and councillors for the District of Norfolk 

Said meeting being holden on the first day of April 1811. The 
Inhabitants brought in their Votes as follows Viz 

For Governor 
For his Excellency Elbridge Gerry Esq Seventy three Votes 
Hon. Christo'r Gore Esq Forty five Votes 
For Lieutenant Governor 
For his Hon William Gray P^sq Seventy three Votes 
Hon William Phillips Esq Seventy two Votes 
Thomas Greeuleaf Esq one Vote 



496 

For Senators 
For the Hon John Howe Esq seventy two Votes 
Samuel Day Esq seventy two Votes 
Thomas Greenleaf Esq Forty three Votes 
James Richardson Esq Forty three Votes 
William Phillips Esq one Vote 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Town meeting A2yrtl 1. 1811. 

Stephen Sharp was chosen moderator 

Voted To Excuse William Aspinwall from serving as Surveyor 
of the Highways 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Surve^'or of Highway's and declined 
serving 

Voted To Excuse Stephen Sharp from Serving as Survej'or of 
Higliwa^^s 

James Leeds was chosen surve3-or of Highwaj^s and declined 
serving — the Town 

Voted not to Excuse James Leeds from serving as surve^'ors of 
Highway's 

Voted Unanimously that this Town will not consent to John 
Harris's being set off' from this Town to the third parish in 
Eoxbury — 

Voted That Messrs. Adams and Phelps have liberty to work out 
their highway Tax the present 3'ear on their own road 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of 
Brookline holden on the 16th da}' of May 1811 

The Selectmen being moderators 

Voted To choose a Representative 

The Inhabitants gave in their Votes for a Representative as 
follows Viz Thirt}' five Votes for John Robinson and Fifty eight 
Votes for Stephen Sharp and declaration was made accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



I 



497 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
lino hoklen on the Kith tiny of May l.Sll 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Moderator 

The committee chosen to examine the Town Treasurers and 
School treasurers accounts made their report 

Voted To accept the same 

^'oted To raize the sum of Two Thousand two hundred dollars 
for the purpose of paying the Rev'd John Pierce his Sallary and 
defraying the Usual necessary charges of the Town tlie Current 
year 

The committee chosen to examine the Town Treasurers 
accounts relative to the meeting house made their Report 

Voted To accept the same 

Voted That the Town treasurer be directed and he is hereby 
directed to call on all persons who owe for Pews in the meeting 
house for payment and in case the}- cannot pa}- the money to take 
their notes for the same 

Stephen Sharp Esquire Isaac S. Gardner Esq and Mr Ebenezer 
Heath were chosen a committee to oppose John Harris's being set 
of to the third Parish in Roxbur}- 

Major John Robinson, Elijah Childs and Joseph White were 
chosen a committee to provide "NVomens schools as last year 

Joseph Goddard was chosen to serve on the school committee 
in room of Capt Samuel Croft 

Then the meeting was adjourned w-ithout day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 

holden on the 9th day of March 1812 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Moderator 

Stephen Sharp f>squire was chosen Town Clerk 

Voted To choose three Selectmen and that they be chosen 

tocrether 



498 

Voted That the Selectmen serve as Assessors 

Voted That the Selectmen for the present year be directed and 
they are hereby directed to assess and commit the Taxes for the 
year 1812 to the collector by the first day of September next 

Stephen Sharp Esquire Major Robinson and Joseph Goddard 
Esquire were chosen Selectmen and Assessors 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Town Treasurer 

Charles Stearns was chosen surveyor of Highways for the first 
North district 

Thomas White for the Second North District 

Isaac S. Grardner Esq'r for the Middle district 

John De coster for the 1st South district 

Capt Joshua C. Clark for the 2d South district 

James Holden, Joshua Griggs Oliver Whyte & Samuel Craft 
were chosen Hogreaves 

Nath Murdock and Abe Hubbard were chosen surveyors of 
Wood & Lumber 

Oliver Whyte was chosen Clerk of the Mai-ket 

James Leeds was chosen Sealer of Leather 

Robert S. Davis & Harris Child were chosen field drivers 

Henry Atherton & Charles Stearns were chosen fence viewers 

Robert S. Davis and Erastus Champney were chosen Tyth- 
ingmen 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq Eben'r Heath Maj'r John Robinson, 
Robert S. Davis and Daniel Pierce were chosen Fire wards 

Charles Stearns and Daniel Pierce were chosen Pound keepers 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r Major John Robinson, and Eben'r 
Heath were chosen a committee to examine the Town Treasurers 
and School treasurers accounts and Report at May Meeting 

William Aspinwall Esq'r Major John Robinson and Joseph 
Goddard Esq were chosen a committee to examine the Town 
Treasurers accounts relative to the Meeting house 

Major Jos Jones Capt Joshua C. Clark and Capt George W. 



499 

Stearns were chosen a committee to Examine the Towns Stock of 
Arms Ammunitions Uniform &c 

Voted To Hire a constable and Collector of Taxes 

Benjamin Bradley- offered to Serve for one Shilling Sc Eight 
pence on (he 1)0uik1 on all taxes he shall collect allowing a deduc- 
tion of l/() on the pound to all that pa}' their Taxes b}' the first of 
January next 

The Town accept his offer and make choice of him for their 
Constable and Collector of Taxes for the present 3'ear 

Voted To raize the sum of six hundred and twent}' five dollars 
to Repair the Highways and that it be assessed on the last 3-ears 
valuation and worked out in the usual way 

\'oted To pa}' the whole expense of the singing school the win- 
ter past and that the Committee exhibit an account of the 
Expenses of the same to the Selectmen and that they draw an 
order dn the Town Treasurer for the Money 

The Selectmen were chosen a committee to make enquire}' rel- 
ative to Edward K. "Walcotts fencing in a piece of Land at the 
corner between the Cambridge road aud the Marsh road and report 
at April meeting 

Voted That Horses Horse kind and Neat Cattle shall not run at 
large within the limits of the Town the current year without a 
keeper 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a county ti'easurer 
and upon counting the same there appeared to be thirty eight 
Votes for John Bullard 

Then the meeting was dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of giving in their Votes for Governor and Lieutenant 
Governor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts aud Senators 
for the district of Bristol and Norfolk said meeting being holdcn 



500 

on the Sixth day of April 1812 being the first Monday in said 
Month the Inhabitants brought in their Votes as follows Viz. 
For Governor 
Seventy four Votes for his ExceH'y Elbridge G-erry Esq'r 
Seventy three " for Caleb Strong Esq 

For Lieutenant Governor 
Sevent}' four Votes for the Hon William King Esq'r 
Seventy three " for the Hon William Phillips Esq 

For Senators 
Amasa Stetson Esq Seventy five Votes 
Joseph Bemis Esq Seventy five Votes ^ 

Thomas Hazard Jun Esq Sevent}' five Votes 
Joseph Tisdale Esq Sevent}' five Votes 
Silvester Brownell Esq Seventy one Votes 
Samuel Crocker Esq Seventy one Votes 
Elijah Crane Esq Seventy one Votes 
James Richardson Esq Seventy one Votes 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line for the purpose of choosing a Representative holden on the 
14th day of May 1812 

Voted To choose a Representative 

The Inhabitants brought in their votes as follows Viz one Vote 
for, Major John Robinson one Vote for Joseph Goddard Esquire 

Fifty Seven Votes for Isaac S. Gardner Esquire 

Sixt}' Eight Votes for Stephen Sharp Esquire and he was chosen 
and declaration was made b}- the Selectmen accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Town meeting May 14. 1812 
Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen moderator 
The committee chosen to examine the Town Treasurers and 



rm 

School treasurers accounts made their Report, which was accepted 
b}' a Vote of the Town 

Voted to raize the sum of Two Thousand six hundred dolhirs to 
j)ay the Rev'd John rierce his Stated sahuy and defray the usual 
necessary exj)enses of the Town the current year 

The committee chosen to examine the Meeting house accounts 
made their re[)ort which was accepted by a Vote of the Town. 

Voted That the Sclectmcu be a committee to collect all debts 
due to the Town for Pews in the meeting house in the term of six 
mouths from this date 

Voted Tliat the sum of one hundred dollars be allowed and 
Expended for womens Schools distributed as usual — 

Caleb Craft Jun'r John Kingsbury and James Leeds were chosen 
a committee to provide women to teach said Schools 

Then the Meeting was adjourned without da}- 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts qualified b}- the Constitution to Vote for Representatives in 
the general Court holdcn on the Second dav of November beinjr 
the first Monda}' in said month in the Year of our Lord 1812, for 
the purpose of giving in their Votes for a Representative of said 
commonwealth in the Congress of the United States for Norfolk 
district — Votes for the following persons were given in. Sorted, 
Counted, Record and declaration thereof made as by the Law 
is directed to wit 

For Nathaniel Ruggles Esquire Sixt}' four Votes 
lion Ebenezer Seaver Esq Fift}- nine Votes 
John Ilowe Esq'r Four Votes 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 
64 



502 

Towu meeting November 2 1812 
Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen moderator 
Isaac S Gardner Esq Mr Benjamin Goddard were chosen a 
committee to confer with Richard Sullivan Esquire respecting 
moving the Brick school house and to report at the next Town 
Meeting 

Voted That this meeting be adjourned without day- 
Then this meeting was adjourned accordingl}^ — 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a legal town meeting held at Brookline in the Countj^ of Nor- 
folk on the 12th day of November in the 3"ear 1812 for the choice 
of Electors of President and Vice President of the United States, 
the undernamed persons had the number of Votes to their names 
respectively annexed Viz 

For the Hon William Heath Esq'r Sixty five Votes 

William Rotch Jun Esq'r Sixt}' five Votes 
Joshua Thomas Esq'r Sixty five Votes 
David Scudder Esq'r Sixty five Votes 

Hon John Adams Esq'r Fifty two Votes 
Naih'l Morton Fifty two " 

John Davis Esq Fifty two " 

Rev Joseph Barker Fifty two " 

Isaac S Gardner Esquire William Aspinwall Esquire Capt Joshua 
C Clark Mr Benjamin Goddard Mr Samuel Croft Mr Nath'l Mur- 
dock and Major John Robinson were chosen a committee to con- 
sult relative to the expedienc}^ of moving the Brick school house 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 8th da}- of March 1813, 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Moderator 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Town Clerk -' 



503 



Voted To choose three persons to serve as Selectmen and 
Assessors 

Stephen Sharp Esq Major John Robinson and Joseph Goddard 
Esq were chosen Selectmen & Assessors. 

John Ellsworth Thomas Griggs Benjamin White Jiin'r John C 
Woodward and Nathaniel Murdock were chosen siirvc3'ors of the 
IIighwa3-s 

Mr Caleb Craft and Benjamin Bradley were chosen Ilogreaves 
Nathaniel Mnrdock and James Holden were chosen Surveyors 
of Wood & Lumber 

Oliver Whyte was chosen Clerk of the Market 
Jonas Tolman was chosen Sealer of Leather 
Henry Atherton and John Warren were chosen field drivers 
Thaddeus Jackson and Charles Stearns were chosen fence 
Viewers 

James Leeds and Joseph Goddard were chosen Tythingmen 
Isaac S. Gardner, Esq'r Major John Robinson, Mr Ebenezer 
Heath, Robert S. Davis and Daniel Pierce were chosen Fire- 
wards 

Charles Stearns and Daniel Pierce were chosen pound keepers 
Isaac S. Gardner Esq Maj Joshn Robinson and Mr Oliver 
Whyte were chosen a committee to Examine the Town Treasurs 
and School treasurers accounts 

William Aspinwall Esq Maj John Robinson and Joseph God- 
dard Esq were chosen to examine the Meeting house accounts — 

Major Joseph Jones, Capt Joshua C. Clark Capt George W. 
Stearns were chosen a committee to Examine the Towns stock of 
Arms and Ammunitions — 

Voted To hire a Constable and Collector of Taxes 
Benjamin Bradlej^ offered to serve as constable and Collector of 
Taxes for one shilling and Eight pence on the pound allowing a 
deduction of one Shilling and Sixpence on the pound to all per- 
sons who pa}- their taxes ])y the first day of January next 



504 

Benjamin Bradlc}^ was chosen constable and Collector of Taxes 
for the year ensuing 

Voted To raize the sum of Six hundred and twent}' five dollars 
to repair the highwa3's and that said sum be assessed as usual 

Isaac S. Gardner Esquire Mr Benjamin Goddard and Major 
John Robinson were appointed a committee to confer with Richard 
Sullivan Esquire respecting moving the Brick School house 

The Selectmen were chosen a committee to see whether it is 
Expedient to make any alterations in the Tov,'ns districts for 
repairing the Highway's 

The Inhabitants brought in Thirt}^ six Votes for County Treas- 
urer Viz John Bullard 

The Committee on moving the Brick School house made their 
Report which was accepted by the Town 

Voted That the meeting be adjourned without day 

Then the meeting was adjourned Accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the 5th day of April 1813 for the purpose of giving in 
their Votes for Governor Lieutenant Governor Senators and 
Counsellors 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes as follows Viz 

For Governor 

Ninty two Votes for His Excellency Caleb Strong Esq 
Sixty Nine " for Hon Joseph B. Varnum Esq 

For Lieutenant Governor 

Ninty two Votes for Hon William Phillips Esq 
Sixt}^ Nine " for Hon William King Esq 



505 



Senators 



Niiit}' one Votes for Silvjuiiis r.iowiicll Esq 

Ninty one " " Samuel Crocker Esq 

Ninty one " James Kicliardsou Esq 

Ninty one " Joseph Heath Esq 

Sixt}" Eight " Thomas Hazard Es(i 

Sixty Eight " James Tisdale Esq 

Sixty Eight " John Howe Esq 

Sixty Eiglit " Joseph Bemis Esq 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



Town meeting Ajiril oth 1813 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Moderator 

Voted That Neat Cattle Horses and Horse kind shall not run at 
large within the limits of this town without a keeper 

Voted To accept the Report of their Committee chosen the 8th 
March last to see it is expedient to make any alteration in the 
Highway districts, Report as follows, That the polls i<:. testates of 
Mrs Elizabeth Patridges and INIr William Gooch ought to be 
taxed in the highwa^-s list for the fust south district and worked 
out therein and that the Polls and Estates of Mv John Goddard 
Mr Benjamin Goddard and Mr. Thomas H. Perkins be taxed in 
the Highway list for the Second South district and worked out 
therein. 

Then the meeting was adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
liolden on the 13th May 1813. 

for the purpose of choosing a Representative 



506 



The Inhabitants brought in their Votes as follows Viz. 
Fifty three Votes for Stephen Sharp Esq 
One " William Aspinwall Jun'r 

One " Ebenezer Heath 

Sixty " Isaac S. Gardner Esq and he was 

chosen and declaration was made accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

Town meeting May 13i/i 1813 

Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator 

The committee appointed to examine the Town treasurers and 
School treasurers accounts — made their Report which was Ac- 
cepted by a Vote of the town 

The committee appointed for examining the meeting house 
accounts made their Report which was accepted by a Vote of the 
Town. 

The committee for examining the military stores made their 
report which was accepted by a Vote of the Town 

Voted To raize the sum of Two Thousand three hundred dollars 
to defray the usual necessary expenses of the Town the current 
year 

Voted To raize the sum of Five hundred dollars for the purpose 
of Discharging Mr David H^-slops note against the Town in part 

Stephen Sharp, John Robinson and Ebenezer Heath were 
chosen a committee to settle with Mr Joseph White respecting the 
pew of Samuel White (Deceased) 

Voted That one hundred dollars be granted and drawn out of 
the treasury and expended equall}^ for womens schools, in the 
three several districts in the Town the ensuing summer 

Charles Stearns Caleb Craft Jun and Daniel Perr^'^ were chosen 
a committee to provide Preceptoresses to teach said schools 

Then the meeting was adjourned without day 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 



507 

At a nicotiiig of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
holden on the l")lh day of September 1813. 

Stephen Sliarp Esquire was chosen moderator 

The Inhabitants brought in their votes for County register to 
fill up the Vacancy occasioned by the death of Eliphalet Pond 
Esquire as follows * 

Twenty Votes for John Gould of Dedham 

Six Votes for James Ford Esquire 

Voted To choose a committee to confer with Richard Sullivan 
esquire respecting removing the Brick School house and levelling 
the ground west of the same 

Mr Benjamin Goddard, Isaac S. Gardner Esquire and Major 
John Robinson were chosen a committee for the above purpose 
and to report at the adjournment of this meeting 

"\^oled That when this meeting is adjourned it be adjourned 
until the first Monday in October next at four O'clock in the after- 
noon then to meet at the Brick school house 

Then the meeting was adjourned accordingly 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk. 

October 4. 1813 . 

The Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline being met according 
to adjournment from the 15th day of September last. 

Stephen Sharp being moderator 

Voted That Isaac S. Gardner Esq Mr Benjamin Goddard and 
Maj'r John Robinson be a committee invested with full powers to 
covenant in l)ehalf of the Town with Richard Sullivan esquire that 
the Triangular piece of Land belonging to the Town laying 
between the roads and bounded eastwardly on land of said Sulli- 
van shall lay common for publick accommodation and that no 
building shall be erected thereon hereafter so long as the meeting 
house shall stand on the place where it is now erected — Reserv- 
ing the right of continuing the present school House thereon as it 



508 



now stands as long as the Town shall see fit upon the condition 
that he pays the suna of Two hundred dollai's when the Town shall 
remove the school house and Purchase of the Town a Pew in the 
meetinghouse at the original appraisement, he to have his Choice 
from the Pews unsold. 

Then the meeting was dissolved 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line holden on the 81st daj^ of January 1814. 

Stephen Sharp Esquire was chosen Moderator 

Voted That Isaac S. Gardner Esquire Major John Robinson and 
Mr William Ackers be a committee to transact any business in 
behalf of the Town respecting the petition of Isaac P. Davis and 
others to the general court for libertj^ to build a dam from Charles 
Street in Boston across the Ba}^ and over Brookline Marshes to 
Sewalls point 

Then this meeting was adjourned without daj- 

Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
at the Brick School House warned and assembled according to 
Law March 14. 1814 — 

General Isaac S. Gardner was chosen Moderator 

When the Town proceeded to the choice of tlie following persons 
to serve in Their respective Offices the ensuing year 

Oliver Whyte Town Clerk 

John Ilobinson Joseph Goddard and Isaac S. Gardner Esq 
Selectmen & Assessors 

Ebenezer Heath Town Treasurer 

William Aspinwall Jan. Oliver Whyte Jonathan Jacksen Samuel 
Craft and Nathaniel Ingersol surveyors of Highways 



I 



509 

James Holclcu and Nathaniel Murdock survejors of wood & 
Lumber 

George W. Stearns Clerk of the Market 

Jonas Tolman Sealer of Leather 

Charles Stearns and Benjamin AVhite Fence Viewers 

Robert S. Davis Field Driver 

Benjamin Bradley was chosen Constable and Collector of Taxes 
which he is to cullect for ten pr cent on the amount collected sub- 
ject to a deduction of Eight p cent to all who pa}' their Taxes by 
the lirst day of January next 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq Dea John Robinson Mr Ebenezer Heath 
Robert S. Davis and Daniel Pierce Firewards 

John Robinson, Joseph Goddard & Isaac S. Gardner Esquire 
committee on acc'ts 

William Aspinwall Esq. Deacon John Robinson Capt Joseph 
Goddard committee on meeting house acc'ls 

Maj, Jos. Jones Capt Joshua C. Clark and Capt George W. 
Stearns committee on Towns Stock of arms &c 

Charles Stearns and Daniel Pierce Pound Keepers 

John Bullardhad 32 Votes for County Treasurer 

Voted Six hundred and twent}- five dollars for Highway Tax to 
be apportioned and worked out as last year — 

O. Whyte Town Clerk 

April ith 1814 
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline for 
the purpose of giving in their Votes for Governor Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor and .Senators as the Constitntion of the Commonwealth 
directs — 

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes as follows 
For Governor 
His Excellency. Caleb Strong Esquire 80 Votes 
Hon. Samuel Dexter 61. — 

65 



510 

For Lieutenant Governor 



Hon William Phillips 




79. Votes 


Hon William Gray 




61 — 


For Senators 






Hon Joseph Heath 




80 Votes 


James Richardson 




80 — 


John Howe 




61 — 


Joseph Bemis 




61 - i 


0. 


Whyte Town Clerk 


Geo W Stearns was licensed as Auctioneer 





At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
legally warned and Assembled Ma}^ 9th 1814 When the Votes 
were given in for Representative — 

For Isaac S. Gardner Esquire 59 Votes 

Stephen Sharp Esquire 49 " 

William Aspinwall Esq 1 " 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moderator 

Voted Unanimously One hundred and fifty dollars in addition to 
the Rev'd John Pierce's salar}- commencing with the year 1813. 

Voted That there be raized for the expenses of the Town the 
present year Twenty eight hundred dollars — 

Voted That the Reports of the several committees be accepted 

Voted That the Town Treasurer be instructed to enforce the 
collection without dela^^ all the outstanding debts due for Pews, in 
the meeting house that have been sold or leased, and that he 
apply the proceeds thereof to the discharge of the debts due from 
the Town for building said House or for the purchase of the land 
appertaining to it — and Report his proceedings at our next Town 
meeting 

Voted That the Treasm'er be instructed to pay any surplus in 
his hands to Mr Hyslop towards the Extinguishment of his bond 
asrainst the Town 



511 

Voted That there be one hundred dollars raized for the support 

of Woinens Schools — and then James Leeds, Daniel Pierce and 

John C Woodward, be committee men to provide Mistresses for 

their several districts 

The meeting was then adjourned 

O. White Town Clerk 

Certificate presented to the selectmen of Brookline 

We the subscribers certif}' that Richard Trow of Brookline is a 
member of the society in this Town of Dorchester called the 
second Parish 

Edw Foster Eben'r Withington Stephen Robinson committee 
chosen by the second Parish in Dorchester for this purpose 

Dorcliester April 30 1814 

Published in the Columbian Centinel 

Notice is hereby given that the Selectmen of Brookline County 
of Norfolk being appointed Guardians of Widow Catharine Baker 
of said Brookline (non compis mentis) and having given bonds 
as the Law directs — Hereby forewarn all persons from Trusting or 
harboring the said Catharine on their account as they will not pay 
any debts of her contracting 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard Isaac S. Gardner selectmen 
• May 5, 1814 

Whereas Marj^ White of Roxbur}' in the County of Norfolk and 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts widow is entitled to dower or 
improvement of a third part of certain land in Brookline of which 
her late Husband Daniel White was seized during her coverture 
now Deacon John Robinsons, Isaac S Gardner Esq. and Capt 
Joseph Goddard Selectmen and agents for the Town of Brook- 
line and Bartholomew White of said Roxbury agent for said 
Mary White, agree to submit the claims of said Miwy White 
ipou the lands aforesaid to the determination of Stephen Dana 



512 

Esq of Brighton in the County of Middlesex, Deacon James 
Humphrej^s of Dorchester and Mather Withington of sa'd Dor- 
chester in the said County of Norfolk whose award shall be final 
between the parties, that these Gentlemen shall view the Premises 
make such examination and determination as the Laws of this 
commonwealth authorize in cases where Dower is set off in due 
course of Law, and whereas the Town of Bi'ookline holds a cer- 
tain l^eceipt Given by Isaac Childs for certain articles of Furniture 
&c for the Benefit of said Mar}' it is agreed by the parties that 
the above named referees shall consider said claim and deduct 
from the sum they shall award to said Mary as her Dower what 
they may deem equitable on account of said Receipt — signed 

John Robinson Isaac S. Gardner Joseph Goddard 

Bartho'w White agent for Mary White 

Septem 2. 1814. 

We the Subscribers Referees mutuall}' appointed by the Select- 
men of the Town of Brookline and Bartholomew White agent for 
Mary White who is dowable in certain Lands, in said Town of 
Brookline having viewed the Premises and duly considered the 
same Report as follows. Viz 

That the said Mary White recover from the Town of Brook- 
line the sum of Thirty dollars in full Satisfaction each and every 
year during her natural life, commencing on the first day of July 
1814. in full of all claims she may have in Said Town and else- 
where whereof her husband Daniel White was seized during her 
coverture wherein the Town of Brookline may be interested. We 
have further considered the receipt submitted to us and do award 
that no deduction be made from the sum annually awarded as 
above on account of said Receipt — Signed 

Stephen Dana James Humphreys Mather Withington 

Brookline Sept 8, 1814 

N.B. The cost of this Refference to be paid by the Town of 
Brookline 



513 

A true cop3' of the Original agroeracnt & award, entered into 

and Signed by the Respective parties — Examined and compared 

by me 

(Signed) Jos Harrington 

Atty to said Mary White. 

I the said IVLut White mentioned in tlie foregoing Agreement 
and AAvard do acknowledge the said Bartliolomcw White to have 
been nn' agent duly authorized to settle m}- claim to Lands in 
Brooklino as before written and do hereby agree to acquit and dis- 
charge the Town of Brookline of all claims and demands of Ever}' 
kind upon the punctual pa3'ment to me or my agent the sum of 
Thirty dollars annually during my Natural Life agreeable to the 
afore written award of which original award is a true Copy 

Signed Mary White 
Roxbury June 13. 1815. 

Jnly 1815. Received of the Town of Brookline Thirty dollars in 
full for the year beginning Jul}' 1814 according to the within 
award 

S30 , Signed Mary White 

September 8, 1814. 

About this time every Town on the Sea Coarst were apprehensive 

of a Visit from the British fleet and forces which had committed 

such wanton depredation in the southern States. Troops were 

daily assembling in and near Boston to protect it from Invasion 

— about one third of the Militia in the Neighborhood were 
stationed in the forts in the Harbour Many Inhabitants of Bos- 
ton and Charlestown were removing their Valuable effects into the 
Country and securing for themselves a retreat in case of Invasion 

— It was in this state of things when the Selectmen and a few 



514 

others being together — A subscription was Circulated among the 
Inhabitants exempt from Militar}' clut}", Inviting them to Equip 
themselves with arms &c compleat for service, Enroll themselves 
as a companj^ and choose their own OflScers and be subject to no 
others authority in their dut}' but in case of Invasion and the 
remaining part of the Militia should be called of endeavor to pro- 
tect ourselves and assist others as the commander of the Company 
should think proper — For this purpose a special Meeting was 
called at an Early day when the proposition was Unanimously 
accepted and the Officers chosen which were General Isaac S. 
Gardner, Captain, Major John Robinson Lieutenant and Capt 
Joseph Goddard Ensign — A meeting of the company was 
appointed at a shoi't notice for Examination and Drill when there 
was Assembled and enrolled between Forty and Fifty Eight 
compleat for immediate service except one Bayonet and about 
half a dozen carterich boxes which were principly furnished by the 
following meeting 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline Legally Warned 
and Assembled November 7th 1814. for the choice of Fedral Rep- 
resentitive when the Votes were given in — for * 

The Hon Thomas B. Adams Esquire Thirty four Votes — 
The Hon Nathaniel Ruggles Sixt}^ Votes 

John S. Williams Esquire Two Votes 

Attest O. White Town Clerk 

At this meeting an Invitation was given to the Inhabitants to 
follow the Example of Boston in Volunteering their Services 
Towards fortifying the Harbour b}^ throwing up two forts on the 
Heights of South Boston and on Noddles Island which would com- 
pletly command the Harbour of Boston and the waters on the 
South of Dorchester point 

The Inhabitants were Unanimous in tendering their services by 
personal Labour towards the completion of these Important works 



515 

Be it remembered that on this eighth da}- of November 1814 
We the Subscribers being Authorized as the Law directs, Met and 
proceeded to Perambulate the boundary' Line between tlie Towns 
of Brooklinc and Roxbury in manner following viz beginning at 
the northwest corner of "William Bremers land at a large Stone 
next the Brook marked R. B. from thence through the House late 
Mr Bakers to the sign post wliich is marked R. B. thence to a 
Stone marked R. B. lying in the wall at the end of the Fence 
being the dividing line between Oliver Whytes' and Thomas 
Whites' land from thence to a Stone marked R. B. at the end of 
tlie wall at the edge of the Swamp in Capt William Wymans land 
from thence to a Stone marked R. B. laying on a Rock in the 
Wall between Capt William Wyman's and Thomas Whites land 
from thence to a stone marked R. B. laying on a Rock beside of 
the wall in Thomas Wymans Pasture from thence to a large Stone 
marked R. B. Ia3-ing in the wall between (between) the heirs of 
Nathaniel AYinchestcr and Capt Joseph Curtis's land from thence 
to a Stone Marked R. B. laying on the wall at the corner next to 
Pond hi nd from thence to Heap of Stones one of which is jnarked 
R. B. laying in a Barbary bush on the Heirs of Nathaniel Win- 
chesters land on hill from thence to a white Oak tree standing in 
the wall between Mrs Whites and Capt Joseph Goddards land 
thence to a stone laying on the wall marked R. B. between 
Stephen Childs and Capt Joseph Goddards land from thence to an 
Appletree marked R. B. standing in Stephen Childs's lane from 
thence to a Stone marked R. B. laying in the Wall b}- the side of 
the road at the corner of John Harris's land from thence to a Stone 
jnarked R. B. Ia3'ing side of the wall on the east side of the cud of 
John Harris's land from thence to a stone set in the ground 
marked R. B. in the land of Mr Harris from thence to a Stone 
marked R. B. laying on a large rock in the wall in Mr Harris's 
land from thence to a stone marked R. B. 1799 laying on the wall 
at the corner between the late Mr W. Baker's and Mr Woodwards 



516 

land from thence to a Stone marked R. B. Ij^ing at the bottom of 
the wall on the Westwardl}" side of the Road leading to Brookline 
from thence to a Stake and heap of Stones one of which is marked 
R. B. N. in Deacon David Wild's meadow being the corner 
bounds between Roxbnry, Brookline and Newton all which bounda- 
ries we have agreed to and renewed the Year and da}- before men- 
tioned 

Signed 
Joseph Goddard Oliver Wh^^te agents for Brookline 
Will'm Brewer Sam'l Parker agents for Roxbury 



At a meeting regularly Avarned at the request of Stephen Sharp 
Esquire and nine others the The Inhabitants met December 7, 
1814, to know whether the Town will give anything to the men 
who were drafted from this Towns Company of Militia and have 
served two months and thirteen da3's on fort Independance over 
and above what is paid them by the United States — 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen moderator 

After debate it was considered illegal to lay a tax on the 
Inhabitants of the Town for the above purpose — In consequence 
there was a motion made b}' Mr Benjamin Goddard and Secoued 
by Mr Ebenezer Heath, that there be three hundred and Twenty 
dollars assessed on the Real and personal Estates which should be 
considered as a Voluntary' contribution, and after deducting the 
expenses alread}^ Incured by the Town for Vegitables &c for their 
use while on the Fort, These drafted men should equally divide 
the Surplus this motion passed Unanimously — 

Voted The Selectmen should make the assessment 

Voted A Committee of five should be chosen to undertake the 
Collection and that this committee consist of Thomas Griggs 
Daniel Pierce Thaddeus Jackson Sen'r John Warren and Benja- 
min Bradley 



I 



1 



At this meeting the J my box w.-x.s regulated agreeable to Law 
aiul eontaiiied Seventy lour names 

The meeting was then adjourned without day 

O. Whyte Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
at the Brick school house warned and assembled according to Law 
Marcii G, l-Slo 

Isaac S. Gardner Esquire was chosen Moderator when the Town 
proceeded to the choice of the following persons to Serve in their 
respective offices the ensuing year 

Oliver Whyte Town Clerk 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard and Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r 
Selectmen & Assessors 

Ebenezer Heath Town Treasurer 

Elijah Core}' Jothan Thayer John Kingsbuiy Thaddeus Jackson 
John AVarren Surve3'ors of Highways 

Deacon Joshua C. Clark Mr Robert S. Davis Tythingmen 

Abel Hubbard Nath'l Murdock Surve3"ors of wood and Lumber 

Oliver AVhv'te clerk of the Market 

Jonas Tolman Sealer of Leather 

John Warren and Charles Stearns Fence Viewers 

John Ellsworth and Timotli}- 11. Childs Field drivers 

George Moss and David Coolidge Hogreaves 

Benjamin Bradley was chosen Constable and collector of Taxes, 
which he is to collect for 9i p cent on the amount collected subject 
to a deduction of 8 ,g) Cent, to all who pa}- their Taxes b}- the first 
day of Januar}' next. 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq Dea John Robinson Ebenezer Heatli 
Robert S. Davis & Daniel Pierce Firewards 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard and Isaac S. Gardner Esq 
committee on Town & School accounts 
6G 



518 

William Aspinwall Esq Dea John Robinson and Capt Joseph 
Goddard committee on Meeting house accounts 

Capt Joshua C. Clark Capt Geo W Stearns and Capt Timothy 
Corey committee on Town Stock who have authority to dispose of 
at auction or otherwise the uniforms belonging to the Town and 
the Proceeds be paid To the Treasurer. 

Charles Stearns Daniel Pierce Pound Keepers 

John Bullard had Thirty four Votes for county Treasurer — 

Voted For Highway Tax Six hundred and twenty five dollars to 
be apportioned on the last Years Valuation and worked out at 
$1.25 ^ 'Day for Man and the same for Team 

The Selectmen were Chosen a committee to examine the roads 
and apportion the Taxes to be laid out thereon 

Voted That Neat Cattle Horses and Horse kind shall not run 
at large within the limits of this Town without a keeper 

Voted That Mr John Aspinwalls Petition be referred to a com- 
mittee 

March 8th Benja Bradley qualified as constable and Collector — 

March 14 The Selectmen and Town Treasurer were qualified 

Attest O. Whyte Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 
and assembled April 3, 1815 They gave in their Votes as follows 

—Viz 

For Governor. 

His Excellency Caleb Strong had 73 Votes 

Hon Samuel Dexter had 49 Votes 

For Lieut. Governor 

Hon. William Phillips had 73 Votes 

Hon William Gray had 50 Votes 



519 



For Senators 










Hon James Ricliardson 








73 


Hon. Joseph ileath 








73 


" John Howe 








49 


" Joseph Bemis 








49 


The meeting was then adjourned 


0. 


yv\n 


•tc 


Town clerk 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookline 
legally warned and Assembled May 8th 181;") when the Votes were 
given in for Representative as follows Viz 

for Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r 50 Votes 

for Stephen Sharp Esq. 10. 

Benj'a Goddard — 1. 

Attest 0. Whyte Town Clerk 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator when the 
Town proceeded to hear and accept the reports of their several 
committees. 

Voted To raize for the expenses of the Town the current j-ear 
and extinguishing former claims, Three Thousand five hundred 
dollars 

"Sooted That the Three commissioned Officers of Brookline com- 
pany be a committee to purchase Arms and equipments with the 
funds arising from the sale of the Uniforms. 

Voted That John Aspinwall have permission to return his pew 
to the Town by giving his Note for the Interest of the first pur- 
chase jMoney 

Voted That One hundred dollars be raized for Womens schools 
which shall be distributed as last year that John Elsworth, Daniel 
Perry and John Decester be the persons to attend to providing 
Mistresses in their several districts — 



520 

William Ackers chosen a Committee man on the school fund 

James Leeds chosen on the Committee for visiting schools. 

The meeting was then adjourned 

O. Whyte Town Clerk 

Sept 4 Geo. W. Stearns licensed as Auciioneer 

At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline assembled at the Brick school according to 
Law^ March 4 1816 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq was chosen moderator when the Town 
proceeded to the Choice of the following persons to serve in 
their respective offices the ensuing Year Oliver Whj'te Town 
Clerk 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard Isaac S. Gardner Selectmen 
and Assessors — 

Nath'l Murdock Abel Hubbard survej'ors of wood & Lumber 

Oliver Whyte clerk of the Market 

James Leeds Sealer of Leather 

Jotham Thaj-er John Warren Fence Viewers 

John Woodward Caleb Clark Field drivers 

Ebenezer Richards Edward Hall Hogreaves. 

Charles Stearns Daniel Fierce Pound Keepers 

James Leeds Dea Joshua C. Clark Tythingmen 

Benjamin Bradle}^ offers to serve as Constable and Collector of 
Taxes for Ten ^ cent on the amount of Taxes collected subject to 
a reduction of 8 ^ cent on all paid before the 1st daj'- of January 
constable and collector of Taxes 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq Dea John Robinson Ebenezer Heath 
Daniel Pierce George W Stearns Firewards 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq John Robinson Joseph Goddard com- 
mittee on Town Treasurers and School Treasurers accounts also 
on the Meetino; House accounts 



521 

Captain Clark Captain Stearns and Captain Corey committee 
on Town's Stock of Arms Amnuinition &c — 

The Inhabitants bronght in their Votes for County Register 
wlieu there appeared Thirty Votes for James Ford Esq 

Votes were then brought in for County Treasurer "when there 
aitpearcil Tliirty two ^'olcs for John liuUard 

A'^oted for Highway- Tax Five hundred dollars to be worked out 
at 81.25 p man and the same for Team 

Voted That a committee be chosen to Examine the High- 
way districts and make an}' alterations in their numbers and 
boundaries the}' shall think advisable and Report at the April 
Meeting 

The committee chosen were Elijah Core}- 1st North Robert S. 
Davis 2 North Isaac S. Gardner Esq middle Thaddeus Jackson 
1 South Nathaniel Murdock 2 South Highway Districts 

Voted That Neat Cattle, Horses and Horse kind shall not be 
sutlered to run at large within the limits of this Town the present 
Year without a keeper 

Voted That the Annual meetings of March April and May Here- 
after, shall be on the first Mondays of these months 

Voted That Printed Notifications be delivered at each house 
certifj'ing the business to be acted on at all meetings here- 
after 

The meeting was then dissolved without day 

Attest O Whvte Town Clerk 



March 8th Benjamin Bradley Sworn 

The Selectmen met to Revise the list for April Meeting and 
were Sworn as Selectmen and Assessors 

At a meeting of the qualified Voters of the Town of Brookline 
legall}' warned and assembled for the purpose of giving in their 
votes for Governor, Lieut. Governor and Senators as the Consti- 



522 

tution of the Commonwealth directs April 1, ISIG. The votes 
were given in as follows — 

For Governor 
Major General John Brooks had Sixty eight Votes 68 
Honora. Sam'l Dexter Esq had forty five Votes 45 

For Lieut. Governor 
His Honor William Phillips had Sixty Eight Votes 68 
Plonor'bl William King had forty five Votes 45 

For Senators 

Thomas Greenleaf Esq had Sixty eight Votes 68 

Hon. Jarius Ware Esq'r had Sixtj' Eight Votes 68 

Hon John Howe Esq'r had Forty five Votes 45 

Hon. Joseph Bemis Esq'r had Forty five Votes 45 

Deacon John Robinson chosen moderator 

The committee on highways Report, which was 

Voted to be accepted — the Vote was then reconsidered and 
each particular division open for discussion and revision if thought 
necessary 

The first, Second, Third and fourth North districts were 
accepted and surveyors chosen Viz Capt. Timothy Corey, Thomas 
Griggs, Charles Stearns and Caleb Craft 

The Second south District was accepted as reported and Capt 
Isaac Cook chosen Surveyor 

The first South district was accepted as reported and Timothy 
H. Child chosen Survej^or 

The divission of the Middle District being objected to It remains 
as Usual and Daniel Perry was chosen Surveyor 

Mr. Benjamin Goddard, Mr Nath'l Murdock, and Mr Eben'r 
Heath were chosen a committee to examine the state of the 
meeting house to see whetlier it requires painting 

The same committee were chosen to mark out Situation for 
sheds near the meetino; house 



523 

The Selectmen were chosen a cornmittee to act in behalf of the 
Town with respect to tlie Land adjuinini; tlie School House 

A'oti'(l Tliat the Highway Tax be assessed on the last 3X'ars 
Valuation 

The Meeting was then adjourned 

O Whyte Town Clk 

Repokt 
The Committee appointed b}- the Town at their March meeting 
18 IG to make alteration in the Highway districts have attended 
that service and Report 

The Fikst North District 

From the Brighton line, comprehending all the Estates on the 
road including the Estate of widow Susanna Craft occupied by 
Mr. Ellsworth with the addition of the following Estates Viz 
Stephen Sharp Esq Reuben Stone Anna Dana James Leeds, 
James Holdcn and the Estate of Jonathan Dana (dec'd) 

The Second North District 

From the Brighton line leading to Cambridge taking in all the 
Estates on the road to the School house land (except the Estates 
of Stephen Sharp Doct AVm. Aspinwall's old farm improved by 
mr Stearns and Major Jones's) including the Estates of Col 
Thomas Aspinwall (Dec'd) & Edw'd K. Walcott Dec'd) includ- 
ing the road leading from the Cambridge road to the marshes to 
be kept in Repair do form a district 

The Third North District 

From the Roxbuiy line Including the following Estates Viz 
William Laughtons Thomas Whites house and store occupied by 
Capt Stearns Mrs Elizabeth Richards, widow Elizabeth Davis, 
Capt Robt S. Davis Charles Stearns, Maj Joseph Jones Jonas 
Tolman Abel Hubbard and the house Lots of Aaron Child &. 
Bradley taking in the road from said Laughtons, to the 



524 



School house land including said land and the Road from said 
Tolmans shop to the Ha}' Scales and from said Tolmans shop to 
the Worcester turnpike do form a district 

The Fourth North District 

From the center of the Old Meeting house Yard including all 
the Estates on the Road to the Roxbur}- line Viz. Caleb Clark 
Thomas Wallej- Samuel Dudle3''s Oliver Whyte and Thomas 
Whites farm with the buildings including the Land from the Old 
road b}- Thomas Walleys land to the Worcester Turnpike do form 
a district 

The First South District 

This District to be as usual with the Estate in Addition of the 
Widow Elizabeth Patridges (Deceased) and Col Thomas H. Per- 
kins do form a district 

The Second South District 

The Said District is to be as usual with the Estates in Addition 
of John Goddard Benjamin Goddard and Richard SulliA-an, the 
road from Mr Goddards brood so called to the Center of the Old 
Meeting house yard is added to said District, do make a district. 

Isaac S. Gardner Thaddeus Jackson Elijah Corey Nath'l Mur- 
dock Ro S. Davis committee of the Town 

Brookline March 19th 1816 

N. B. The Report on the Middle District was not copied 
becaus not accepted 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legalh' warned 
and assembled Maj^ 6. 1816. for the choice of State Representatives, 
when the Votes were given in as follows Viz 

For Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r fort}' four Votes 44 

Stephen Sharp Esq'r Seven Votes 7 

Mr Adam Babcock One Vote 1 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moderator 



525 



The sevcM'al Reports from c oniinittces were read and Aceeptcd 

The Town then Voted to paint the meeting Uouse the ensuing 
summer for which and for tlie Usual expenses of the Town — the}- 

Voted to Kaise by Tax on Polls and Estates Three Thousand 
five hundred dollars 

Voted That any surplus money which may be in the hands of 
the Treasurer shall be appropriated to discharge the Town debt 

Voted That capt Ro S. Davis Mr Dan'l Perry Mr Sam'l Craft 
be committee men in their respective districts to provide School 
Mistresses which will keep as usual there being One hundred dol- 
lars appropriated for that purpose 

Voted That Benjamin (joddard N Murdock & Ebenezer Heath 
be a committee to attend to the Purchasing of paint and oil and 
contract to have it laid on the meeting house earh- as possible and 
tliat the Treasurer be authorized to borrow money for this purpose 
and to reimburse the same from the present years Taxes 

The committee appointed to la}- out Sites for Sheds near the 
meeting house attended that duty and they are to be offerred for 
Sale on the 14th Instant on the premises 

O Whyte Town Clerk 

Tuesday May 14 agreeable to notices by advertizement the 
sites for Sheds before mentioned were olTered at public Sale sep- 
crately commencing at the North end as Number One Avhich was 
Knocked of to 

No. 1. — Stephen Sharp Esq'r for 14.50 

No 2. to Dea John Robinson for 12.50 
No. 3. to Gen Isaac S. Gardner " 10.50 

No. 4. to Mr Samuel Hammond 10.50 

No. 5 to Mr David Ilyslop 10.01 

To each purchaser was given a Certificate of which the following 
is an exact Copy. 
Know all men by these presents that we John Robinson, Joseph 
67 



526 

Goddard and Isaac S. Gardner Selectmen of Brookline in the Coun- 
ty of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being authorized 
by Virtue of a vote of said Town do for and in consideration of the 
sum of fourteen dollars and fifty cents paid into the Treasury of 
said Town hereby certify that Stephen Sharp Esquire of said Brook- 
line is entitled to a Shed Lot in the meeting house Yard of Said 
Town, being Lot under number one of a range of Sheds erected in 
1816 by himself Deacon John Kobinson & Isaac S. Gardner 
Esq'rs Mr Samuel Hammond and Mr David Hyslop measuring 
Ten feet in width and eighteen in depth to be used for a shelter 
for riding Carriages and Horses and no other purpose. To Have 
and to hold the same with its priviledges to the said Sharp his 
Heirs and assigns forever agreeable to a Vote of said Town passed 
May 6th 1816 

Provided Nevertheless and this certificate is on these conditions 
that the Town reserves the right to resume the said Lot and Shed 
at any time by tendering the proprietor the original cost of said 
Lot and Shed as stands recorded on the Town Clerks Book 
November 4th 1816 * 

In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals 
this fourth day of November 1816. 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard Isaac S. Gardner Selectmen of 
Brookline 

The charge for building these five sheds laying Wall and level- 
ing Yard — Stands thus 

To A. Hubbard for Building $220 — 

" John Warren for laying wall 22 — 

" John Robinson for Levelling Yard 20 — 
" Silas Snow for Painting Sheds 12.36 



174.36 



* March 4, 1839 This Shed & Lot was conveyed to Benj B. Davis by Sam'l Craft. 



627 

The improvement of each Lot agreeable to the above estimate 
is Fiftj' four dollars Sl-^^^ cents which added to the cost of the 
Lot gives the original price 

l^ N.B. the Report respecting this business is entered on 
the following page 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline Legally waraod 
and assembled Novem 4 181G for the choice of Fcdral Representa- 
tive when the Votes were given in 

For the Hon Nath'l Ruggles Esq Thirty eight Votes 38 
For the Hon. Jairus Ware Esq'r Seven Votes 7 

For the Hon John Howe Esq'r Four Votes 4 

For the Hon Eben'r Seaver Esq'r Four Votes 4 

The Certilicates was filled, (Signed scaled, & certified and the 

meeting adjourned 

0. Whyte Town Clerk 

Decern' r \Qth Selectmen met to draw Juryman 
Robert S. Davis was drawn 

The Commitee appointed to locate the ground near the Meeting 
house for the purpose of erecting Sheds thereon 

Report that the}' have considered the subject and have kept in 
view the probability that the Town not long hence may consider 
it expedient to erect a building for a School house. Their first 
object therefore has been to select the most suitable spot for such 
a building and after due consideration they have Located the 
ground for Sheds accordingl}'. believing that the School house, 
to combine the objects of good appearance convenience and safety 
should stand ranging with the front of the Porch of the Meeting 
house or the main bod}' of the house as ma}- be thought best here- 
after as far distant as the land will permit 

With this view of the subject they have Staked out land suffi- 
cient for tlie erection of ten Sheds of ten feet each in width and 



528 

not to exceed eighteen feet in debth the whole to be connected and 
to stand in a line nearl}^ at right angles with the road, beginning 
southwardly from it about Ninty Ave feet the front line of the 
Sheds to be not less than One hundred and thirty feet distant from 
the meeting house running parrelel with said house to the land of 
the heirs of Deacon Samuel Clark Dec'd 

Your Committee recomment that the Selectmen be authorized to 
dispose of the Said lots at Public Vendue or at private Sale 
according to their best judgment subject how ever to the following 
conditions 

First to begin at the lot No. one and sell in regular succession, 
the sales to be void unless at least five lots are disposed of — 

Second That the foundation and leveling of the ground and the 
erection of the Sheds be done in conjunction by the proprietors 
each one to bear an equal proportion of the expense the Sheds to 
be uniform in appearances and as nearly alike as possible 

Third That they are completed on or before the Thirtieth day 
of November next or the purchase money be forfeited to the Town 

Fourth That the Said Proprietors have leave to take gravel and 
stones for the purpose of leveling the ground and making the foun- 
dations, subject to the controle of the Selectmen. 

Fifth That the Proprietors as soon as may be render to the 
Town Clerk properly certified the whole cost they have been at in 
leveling the ground and building the Sheds to be by him record- 
ed on the Town books 

Sixth That the title of the Proprietors be given, by a certificate 
from the Selectmen as soon as the Sheds are completed and the 
return of the cost made to the Town Clerk and not before, Speci- 
fying that the conditions on this Report being all fullfilled the 
proprietor his heirs and Assigns shall enjoy the use and improve- 
ment of his Shed for the purpose only of covering riding Carriages 
and Horses — The Town retaining a right to resume the said land 
and Shed^ at any time by tendering the proprietor the original 
cost Benja Goddard Nath'l Murdock Eben'r Heath 



529 

At a IMecting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the 
Town of Brookline at tlie Brick School iiousc warned and assem- 
bled according to law March 3d 1817 

Isaac S. Gardner Esquire was chosen moderator 

Oliver Wh^'te Town Clerk 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard Isaac S. Gardner Selectmen 
& Assessors 

Ebenezer Heath Town Treasurer 

James llolden Charles Warren Ro S. Davis O. AVhyte Daniel 
Pierce Caleb Craft Deacon Joshua C Clark Surveyors of High- 
ways 

Nath'l Murdock Abel Hubbard surveyors of wood & Lumber 

O. Whyte Clerk of the Market 

Jonas Tolman Sealer of Leather 

James Leeds Robert Harris Fence Viewers 

Elisha Stone John Harris Field drivers 

Benjamin Bradley constable and collector for 8 f ^ cent with 
a deduction to those who pay on or before the 1st day of January 
Eight p cent 

Fire wards Isaac S. Gardner J. Robinson Eben'r Heath Daniel 
Pierce Geo AV Stearns 

John Robinson Jose Goddard Isaac S. Gardner committee on 
School & Town accounts 

Caleb Clark Levi Pierce Ro B. Foster Hog reaves 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard Isaac S. Gardner Committee 
on Meeting house accts 

Dea Joshua C. Clark James Leeds Tythingmen 

Dea J. C. Clark Geo W. Stearns Timo Corey committee on 
Towns Stock of Arms &c. 

Daniel Pierce Charles Stearns sen Pound keepers 

John Bullard had Thirty eight votes for County Treasurer 

VottMl Five hundred dollars for highway tax to be worked out 
at One dollar f^\y for the Labour of a man p Day & the same for 
Team 



530 

Voted That Neat cattle Horses & Horse kind shall not run at 

large without a keeper 

O. Whyte Town Clerk 

Ajyril 7, 1817 At a meeting of the qualified Voters of the Town 

of Brookline Legall}^ warned and Assembled for the purpose of 

giving in their Votes for Governor Lieut Governor & Senators 

were received 

For Governor 

His Excellency Gen'l John Brooks Esq'r had Sixty six Votes 

Major Gen'l Henry Dearborn had forty four Votes 

as Senators 

Thomas Greenleaf Esquire had Sixty Six Votes 

David S, Greenough Esq'r " " 

Jos Bemis Esquire had Forty four Votes 

John Endicott Esquire " " 

O Whyte Town clerk 

Mmj 5, 1817 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legall}^ warned and assembled — Votes were given in for Town 
Representative when there appeared for 

Isaac S. Gardner Esquire forty three Votes 
and was elected 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator 

The several committees appointed at March meeting made their 
reports which were accepted 

Voted Thirty five hundred dollars be raized for the expenses of 
the Town the current year 

Voted One hundred dollars be appropriated for womens schools, 
disposed of as usual, that 

Abel Hubbard Joseph White & Caleb Craft Jun be chosen to 
provide Mistresses in their several districts 

Voted The Assessors shall use their own discretion in Assessing 

estates to owners or Tenants 

O. Whyte Town Clerk 



4 



531 

March 2, 1818 At a meeting of the Freehold and other Jnliabi- 
tants of the Town of Brookline at the Brick School house warned 
and asseml)led according to Law. 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq'r was chosen moderator 

Oliver Whyte Town Clerk Gen'l Gardner &. Joseph Goddard 
declining 

John Robinson Nath'l Murdock & 0. Whyte were chosen Select- 
men & Assessors 

Ebenezer Heath Town Treasurer 

Elijah Corey Jotham Thayer Charles Stearns Caleb Clark Joseph 
White John Harris Benja. Goddard Surveyors of Highways 

Geo. W. Stearns James Ilolden Surveyors of wood &. Lumber 

Joshua Griggs Benja White Fence Viewers 

Edward Hall Timo H. Child Field Drivers 

Isaac S. Gardner Esq John Robinson Ebenezer Heath Daniel 
Pierce Geo W Stearns Fire Wards 

Abel Hubbard Jonas Tolman T^'thing men 

Charles Stearns Daniel Pierce Pound keepers 

Elisha Stone A. Hayden C. Winchester Benja Bradley Hog- 
reaves 

O. Whyte Clerk of the jMarket 

Jonas Tolman Sealer of Leather 

Isaac S. Gardner John Robinson Joseph Goddard committee on 
Town vSchool and meeting house Accounts 

Capt R. S. Davis Capt Tho. Griggs Capt D. Pierce committee 
on Town Stock of Arms &.c — 

Benjamin Bradley constable and collector for 9J ^ cent with 
a deduction of 8 ,p ct. to all who pay before the 1st of Januar}' 

John Bullard had Thirty three Votes for County Treasurer 

Voted Five hundred dollars for the Highways to be worked out 
at one dollar & 25 Cents for a mans day Labour and same for 
Team 

Voted That neat Cattle Horses and Horse Kind shall [not] run 
at large without a keeper 



532 



II 



Voted The Unanimous Thanks of the Town be presented to 
Isaac S. Gardner Esquire and Capt Joseph Goddard for their 
Services in the numerous olfices they have filled in Town 

O. Whyte Town Clerk. 



I 



April 6. 1818 At a meeting of the qualified Voters in the Town 
of Brookline legallj^ warned and Assembled for the Purpose of J 
aiviuof in their Votes for Governor Lieut Governor and Senators 
when there were Recorded 

For Governor. 

His Excellency Gen'l John Brooks Esq'r had fifty four Votes 
Hon B. W Crownenshield had twenty six Votes 
For Lieut. Governor 
His Hon Wm. Phillips Esquire had fifty four Votes 
Hon Theo. Kithridge Esq had twenty four 
Hon' Wm. King Esq'r had Two 
For Senators 
Hon The. Greenleaf Esq Fifty three Votes 

David S. Greeuough " " 

Hon. Jos Be mis Esq twenty four 
Hon John Endicott Esq " 
Deacon John Robinson was then Chosen moderator when a vote 
was taken on the destruction of Crows. 

Voted The Town Treasurer be empowered to pay twenty five 
cents for the Head of every Crow Avhich he is satisfied has been 
killed within the limits of this town 

Voted That the State Law for the protection of certain Birds at 
certain seasons be so far remitted as to allow a man at all times to 
kill Robbins on his own land 

The middle district mutually agreed to division and made their 
report as follows which was accepted by the Town and surveyors 
appointed Viz 1st Middle Jos White 

2 Middle Benja White 

3 Middle Eben Richards 



533 

IJoLNDs OF 1st Middle DisTuirr 

From the line botween lirooklino and l^rij^htou to the Turnpike 
near Win. Ackers house comprehending the estates on the same to 
said Brighton Viz Jos White, Dana Dowse Jacoh Smith Isaac S. 
Gardner, William Ackers and the Estate of Samuel Hammond 
improved b}' Daniel Perrj- reserving the right as usual of taking 
gravel from the Second Middle district 

Bounds of the Second Middle Distuict 

From the corner near AVilliam Ackers House to a large rock by 
the Sherlmrn road and by land of the Heirs of Caleb Gardner 
(Dec'd) comprehending the following estates David Hyslops, 
George Moss the P^state which Samuel Hanmiond now improves 
Ebenexer Heaths & the Estate lately improved by Joseph Arnold 
Jonathan Jaclcson & son and Benjamin White 

Bounds of the Tiirun ^Middle District 

From the said Rock on Sherburn Road to the line between New- 
ten & Brookline comprehending the following Instates Viz Thomas 
Perkins Esq. Jona. Mason Esq'r Daniel Pierce Benja Weld Stephen 
Higginson P^sq. Benja Whites upper farm the Heirs of Caleb 
Gardner (Dec'd) Eben'r Richards Jonathan Hammond INIanning 
& the Toll house belonging to the corpor'n of Worcester 
turnpike Arby Hide and Land of Non Residents John Kings- 
bury Ilenr}- Hovey and Aaron Richards. 

N.B. It is agreed by the second and third districts That the 
Second INIiddlc District shall have two Thirds of the money of the 
said two Districts to be worked out on the Second District and 
the third District shall Have one third of the money to be worked 
out on the said third District until farther order of the Town 

O Whyte Town Clerk 

May A, 1818. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and assembled — Votes were Received for State 
68 



534 



Representative when there appeared Twenty four Votes for Isaac 
S. Gardner Esquire & lie was Elected 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moderator when the 
Committees made their several Reports which were accepted. 

Voted Thirty five hundred dollars be raized for the Expenses of 
the Town the current year 

Voted One hundred dollars be apropriated for womens schools 
as usual. 

Charles Stearns Eben'r Heath Sam'l Craft be a committee to 
provide Mistresses in their Respective Districts 

Voted One hundred and fifty dollars p annum adition to the 
Rev Mr Pierces Salar}^ during the Towns pleasure 

O. Whyte Town Clerk 

November 2 1818 At a meeting of the Inhabitants regularly 
warned and Assembled for the purpose of Voting for Fedral 
Representative when the Votes being Sorted & counted there 
appeared for 

Nath'l Ruggles Esquire Eighteen Votes 
Edward Dowse Esquire Thirteen Votes 

The meeting then proceeded to Town Business when 

Dea John Robinson was chosen Moderator when it was moved 
to have a committee appointed to report on the Expediency of 
permiting stoves to be erected in the Meeting house and Report 
this day week at 3, O'clock P. M. the probable Expense. 

Voted That Eben'r Heath John Robinson Nath'l Murdock 0. 
Whyte and Capt Isaac Cooke be the Committee to make the neces- 
sary Enquiries on the Subject. 

November 8, 1818 At an adjournment 

Voted the Report of the committee be accepted and that Per- 
mission be granted to have the stoves erected in the Meeting 
house agreeable to the Report of the Committee 



535 

Voted There be a comniittee of Five Viz. Dea John Robinson 
]\[r. X. Muidock Capt Cook James Leeds and (). Whyte, to offer 
the subscription to every family in Town who ^vorship at this 
lueetiug house in the winter season 

Voted That if the Stoves are Erected they be supported and 
taken care of at the Expense of the Town 

O. Wlivte Town Clerk 



March 1 1819 At a meeting of the Freehold and other Inhabi- 
tants of the Town of Brookline legallj- warned and assembled 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator 

Oliver AVhyte was chosen Town Clerk 

John Robinson Nath'l Murdock 0. Whyte Selectmen and 
Assessors. 

Eben'r Heath Town Treasurer 

Benjamin Goddard committee man on School fund in stead of 
Gen'l Gardner (Dec'd) 

James Leeds School Treasurer instead of Gen'l Gardner 
(Dec'd) — 

Geo W Stearns Nath'l Murdock Surveyors of wood & 
Lumber 

Benja White Elijah Child Fence Viewers 

Enos Withington David Coolidge Geo W. Stearns Benja Brad- 
ley William Ackers Jona Jackson Junr Jona. Hammond Thadd's 
Jackson Jun'r Nath'l Murdock Surveyors of Highways 

Abel Swallow Robert Harris Field Drivers 

Deacon Elijah Corej' on committee for Examination of schools 
in lieu of Gen'l Gardner Dec'd 

John Robinson Eben'r Heath Daniel Pierce Geo W. Stearns 
Charles Stearns Fire wards 
Joshua Griggs John Robinson Tythingmen 
Charles Stearns Daniel Pierce Pound Keepers 



536 



John Harris Tho Griggs Andrew B. Foster Benj Davis Increase 
S. Davis Marshal Floyd Hogreaves 

0. Whyte Clk of Market 

Jonas Tolman Sealer of Leather 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard O. Whyte committee on Town 
School & Meeting house accounts. 

Capt. Davis Capt. Griggs Capt. Pierce committee on Towns 
Stock of Arms ammunition &c. 

Benjamin Bradley constable and collector for 9f per cent with 
a deduction of 8 ;p. cent for all who pay at or before the 1st of 
January 

John Bullard had Forty two Votes for county Treasurer 

Voted Five hundred dollars for Highways to be worked out at 
One doll, and 25 cents ,p Day for mans Labor and same for Team 

Voted That Neat Cattle Horses and Horsekind shall not run at 
large without a keeper within the limits of the Town the present 
year — 

O. AYhyte Town Clerk 

April 5. 1819 At a meeting of the Qualified Voters of the 
Town of Brookline legally warned and assembled for the purpose 
of Giving in their Votes for Governor, Lieut. Governor & Sena- 
tors when there appeared. 

For Governor 
His Exciellency Gen'l John Brooks Esqr. had Sixty one Votes & 
Hon B. W. Crowninshield had Fort}' two Votes 
For Lieut. Governor 
His Hon William Phillips Esq'r had Sixty Votes Benjamin Aus- 
tin had Forty two Votes 

For Senators 
Hon Thomas Greenleaf Esq'r David S. Greenough Esq'r had 
Sixty Votes 

Hon John Endicot Esq'r Benja Eeynolds Esq had Forty two 



537 



Deacon John Robinson was chosen moderator 
]\Ir. 1). Hyslop declined serving as Surveyor and pa^-s liis fine 
and iNIr Jonathan Jackson Jun'r is appointed in his room 

O. AVhyte Town Clerk 

B'lay o, I.SID At a meeting of the Inliabitants of Brooklinc 
legall}- warned and assembled for the choice of state representa- 
tive — Mhen 

Deacon John Robinson had Fort}' Votes and was Chosen — 
Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator 
Voted Thirty five hundred dollars be raized to defray the Expen- 
ses, of the Town the cuiTcnt year, of which 100 dollars be appro- 
priated for womens Schools & that James Leeds Eben'r Richards 
&. Robert Harris be a committee to provide Mistresses in their 
respective districts. 

0. Whyte Town Clerk 



March G. 1820 At a meeting of the freehold and other Inhabi- 
tants of the Town of Brookline warned and assembled according 
to Law at the Brick School House 

Dea. John Robinson was chosen moderator 

Oliver Whyte Town Clk. 

John Robinson Nath'l Murdock O. "NVliyte Selectmen &c Asses- 
sors 

Ebenezer Heath Town Treasurer 

Dundridge Taft Abel Hubbard John Elsworth O. Whyte Sam'l 
S. Gardner Eben'r Heath Dan'l Peirce Sam'l Craft John Warren 
Surveyors of Highwa^-s 

George W. Stearns Nath. Murdock snrvevors of wood & 
Lumber 

Caleb Clark Robert Harris Fence Viewers 
Edward II:dl J<>shua C. Clark Fielil Drivers 



538 

John Robinson Ebenezer Heath Daniel Pieroe Geo W Stearns 
Charles Stearns Fire wards 

Benja Davis Enos Withington Tythingmen 

Charles Stearns Daniel Pierce Pound Keepers 

Erastus Champney Charles Wild Franklin Gerry Hogreaves 

Oliver Whyte Clerk of the Market 

John Robinson Jos. Goddard O. Whyte committee on Town 
School & meeting house ac'ts 

Capt. Davis Capt. Griggs Capt. Pierce committee on Town 
Stock of Arms &c. 

Benja. Bradley constable & collector of Taxes for 10^ |j 
cent with a deduction of 8 ^ cent to all who pay on or before the 
1st of January 

John Bullard had Forty Votes for County Treasurer 

Voted Five hundred dollars for Highways to be worked out at 
one doll. & 25 cents ^ day for mans Labor and Same for Team. 

Voted That Neat Cattle Horses and Horse kind shall not run 
at large without a keeper the present year within the Limits of 
the Town. 

Voted That the Town pay one Hundred and nine dollars toward 
the singing school the present season 

O. White Town Clerk 

April 3 1820 At a meeting of the qualified Voters of the Town 
of Brookline legall}^ warned and assembled for the purpose of 
giving in their Votes for Governor Lieut Governor and Senators, 
when there appeared 

For Governor 

His Excellency Gen John Brooks Esq'r Fifty four Votes 

Hon William Eustis Esq'r Twent}^ Seven Votes 

For Lieut Governor 
Hon William Phillips Esq'r Fifty four Votes 
Hon Benja Austin Esq'r twenty seven Votes 



539 



For Senators 
Eich'd Sullivan Esq'r Fifty three Votes 
James Ricliardsoii Esq'r Fifty three Votes 
Hon Benja Reynolds Twenty' Seven Votes 
John Ruggles Jun'r Esq. Twenty Seven 
Deacon John Robinson was tlien chosen moderator when tlie 
Town- 
Voted That Dundridgc Taft, be excused from Serving as Sur- 
veyor on the Roads the present Season and that Dea John Robin- 
son be Surveyor in his stead. 

The Town then proceeded to act on the Petition of John Ward 
and others (to be annexed to the Town of Broolcline) when a com- 
mittee of seven was appointed to Investigate the subject and 
report at May meeting 

Voted That this committee consist of the Selectmen Benjamin 
Goddard Ebon'r Heath, Joshua C. Clark & Elijah Corey — 

0. White Town Clerk 



May 1. 1820 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned & Assembled for the purpose of giving in their 
Votes for State Representatives when it appeared for Deacon John 
Robinson an unanimous Vote 

Deacon John Robinson was tlien chosen moderator when the 
Town 

Voted Thirty nine hundred dollars be raized for the expenses of 
the Town the current year and for the State and County Tax 
assessed upon this Town 

Voted One hundred and fifty dollars for womens Schools the 
present year and that John I^lsworth James Leeds Joseph 
White Elijah Child be the committee to provide mistresses 

Voted There be a committee of five to investigate the Situation 



540 

and advantage of Womens Schools, that this committee consist of 
the Selectmen Rich'd Sullivan Esq'r Samuel Cralt 
Voted an Acceptance of the Reports of their committees 

O. Whyte Town Clerk 

August 21. 1820 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line legally warned and Assembled for the purpose of giving in 
their Votes for Representative in Congress instead of Mr Dowse 
resigned and for taking a Vote of the Town on the expediency of 
choosing delegates to meet in convention for revising the Consti- 
tution of this Commonwealth — when there appeared for 

James Richardson Esq Fifteen Votes Hon Wm. Eustis Esq Nine 
Votes as Representative 

For choosing delegates there appeared nineteen Votes 

against that measure there were Three Votes 

O. Whyte Town Clerk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned and 
Assembled to make choice of Moderator and Town clerk — instead 
of O Whyte who is absent at the South 

John Robinson was chosen Moderator 

Ebezezer Heath Town Clerk 

When the Town brought in their Votes for a Delegate to con- 
ventions when it appeared that the Hon Rich'd Sullivan sixteen 
Votes and was chosen — 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 
and assembled to make choice of a Representative to Congress the 
following gentlemen were voted for Viz 

For Hon'l Rich'd Sullivan Twelve Votes 

For Hon Wm Eustis Twelve Votes 

For James Richards Esq'r One Vote 



541 



For Electors at large 

His Hon Wiirni niillii)s Sixteen 

Hon AVill'ni Gray Sixteen 

Hon Bonja Crowninshield Twelve 

Levi Lincoln Esq'r Twelve 
Tlie Venerable John Adams thirteen Hon EdwM H. Uobbius 
Fifteen for District of Norfolk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 
and assembled to receive the Report of their committee chosen to 
look into the sitnation of their schools 

Voted to accept the Report of said Conunittee 

March b 1821 At a meeting of Freeholders and other Inhabi- 
tants of the Town of Brookline warned and assembled according 
to Law 

Dea. John Robinson was chosen Moderator 

Oliver Whytc T. Clerk 

Dea. John Robinson Nath'l Murdock Oliver Wh3*te selectmen 
and Assessors 

Eben'r Heath Town Treasnrer 

Timo. Core}' Tho. Griggs Benja. Davis Caleb Clark Dan'l Peny 
Benja. White Eben'r Richards David Bacon Rich'd Snilivan Sur- 
veyois of Highways 

Able Hubbard Xath jMurdock surveyors of wood & Lumber 

Dea Joshua C. Clark Timo. Core}' Fence Viewers 

Sam'l Craft Jonas Tolman Field Drivers 

Dea John Robinson Eben'r Heath Dan'l Peirce Geo W Stearns 
Charles Stearns Firewards. 

Charles Stearns Dan'l Peirce Pound Keepers 

Wm. H Brown Moses Jones Ward Stone Ilogreaves 

Geo W Stearns Clerk of Market 
69 



542 

Dea John Robinson Jos. Gocldard O. Whyte committee of Town 
schools & Meeting house Accounts 

Capt. Griggs Peirce & Jackson committee on Town Stock of 
Arms &c &c. 

Benjamin Bradley Constable and Collector of Taxes for 10 ^ 
Ct. with a deduction of 8 ,^ Cent to all who pay before the 1 Jan- 
uary 

James Ford had Thirty eight Votes for Count}' Register of 
deeds 

John Bullard had Thirty seven Votes, for County Treasurer 

Voted Five hundred dollars to repair the Highwaj^s to be worked 
out at one dollar 25 Cents for mans days Labor & same for team. 

Voted That Neat Cattle Horses & Hoi'se kind shall not run at 
large within the Limits of the Town the present year without a 
keeper 

Voted That the committee chosen to examine the Schools in 
this place be requested to Report annually and at the first meeting 
after the examination takes place. The number of scholars that 
usually attend the summer Schools also the number that attend that 
examination to report the number that usually attend the winter 
schools and also the number which attend the examination of the 
same 

To Report the Progress made bj' tha Children in the different 
Branches to which the}' attend and also to Report anything rela- 
tive to the Schools which the Committee shall think Proper 

April 1821 At a meeting of the qualified Voters of the Town 
of Brookline legally warned «t assembled for the purpose of 
giving in their Votes for Governor Lieut Governor and Senators 
when there appeared 

For His Excellenc}' Gen'l John Brooks fift}' five Votes 
F Hon William Eustis twenty two Votes for 

Governor 



543 

For Hon. William Phillips Esq'r fifty live Votes 
Hon Levi Lincoln twenty two for 
Lieutenant Governor 
For Hon Richard Sullivan fifty three Votes 
Hon Tho Greenleaf fifty four — 

Benjamin Re3'nolds twenty two Votes 
John Ruggles twenty two for 
Senators 

May 7. 1821 — At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 

Jegally warned and assembled for the choice of State Represen- 

ative when 
Deacon John Robinson was unanimously chosen 
Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moderator — 
Voted Thirty Six hundred dollars be raized for Town Count}' 

nd State Tax the present year 
Voted One hundred «fc fifty dollars for womans Schools 
Abel Hubbard Jos White Caleb Craft Juu'r be a committee to 

rovide mistresses. 

Voted That the improvement of the Lower School be under the 

)irection of the Selectmen 

O Whyte Town Clerk 

1822 A f arch Ath At a meeting of Freehold and other In- 
abitants of the Town of Brookline legally warned and assembled 
t the Brick School House 

Dea. John Robinson was chosen moderator 

Oliver Whyte Town Clerk 

John Robinson Nath'l Murdock Oliver Whyte selectmen & 
Lssessors 

Ebenczer Heath Town Treasurer 

E Corey 1st North Cha Stearns 2 Do J. Leeds 3 Do 0. Whj-te 

Do Jos White 1 middle Jos Williams 2 Do Jonas Reed 3 Do 
oini Collin 1 South B. Bradley 2 Do. surveyors of Highways 



544 

"William H. Brown Nath'l Murdock surveyors of Wood &c 

Sam'l Craft Caleb Clark Fence Viewers 

Edw'd Hall Daniel Pierce Field Drivers 

Joshua C. Clark Eben'r Heath Tythiugmen 

John Robinson Eben'r Heath Daniel Peirce Geo W Stearns- 
Chas. Stearns Firewards 

Dan'l Perry Dan'l Pierce Pound Keepers 

Amasa Jackson Asa Jaquith Luther Twiss Hogreaves 

Geo W Stearns Clk of Market 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard Oliver Whyte Committee for 
examining Town accounts 

Capt Thomas Griggs Capt Daniel Pierce Capt Chas. Stearns 
Jun committee on Towns Stock of arms Ammunition &c 

Benjamin Bradley Constable and Collector of taxes for 10^ ,^ 
ct with a deduction of 8 ^ ct to all who paj- before 1st Jan 

John Bullard had thirty five Votes for Count}' Treasurer 

Voted To raize five hundred dollars to repair Highway's to be 
worked out allowing $1.25 ^ Day for mens Labor same for 
Team 

Voted That Neat Cattle Horses and Horse kind shall not run 
at large within the Limits of the Town without a Keeper 



Ajyril 1, 1822 At a meeting of the qualified Voters of the 
Town of Brookline legal!}' warned and assembled for the Purpose 
of giving in their Votes for Governor, Lieut. Governor and 
Senators. 

For Governor. 
His Excellency Gen'l John Brooks had Forty six Votes. 
Hon Wm. Eustis Esq'r had Twenty Votes 

For Lieut. Governor 
Hon. William Phillips Esq'r had Forty Six Votes 
Hon. Levi Lincoln Esq'r had twent}- Votes 



545 

For Senators & Counsellors 

Sam'l Bass Esq'r had fort}' six Votes 

Lewis Fisher Esq. " " 

Sam'l P. Loud Esq. " " 

Benja Reynolds had twenty Votes 

John Ruggles " " 

Micah White Esq " " 
Deacon John Robinson was chosen jNIoderator, surveyors of 
Highwa3-s cliosen James Leeds, Jos Goddard & Sam'l Craft 
chosen to Join the Selectmen to provide a Situation for Savorns & 
family 

1822 May 6. . At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Icgnlly wanied and assembled for choice of Representative to 
the General Court. 

Deacon John Robinson had the unanimous Vote and was chosen 
Representative for the present year 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moderator when the 
Town Voted to raize Thirty three hundred dollars for State 
Count}' and Town the jiresent j-ear. 

Voted To grant tlie Singing Societ}' Fifty dollars. 

Voted For womens Schools One hundred &, fifty dollars. 
Committee to provide Mistresses. 
North District James Leeds 

Middle " Eben'r Heath 

South " Ro. Harris. 

Rich'd Sullivan Esq'r & Mr. Eben'r Heath were chosen to join 
the Selectmen in Establishing the Lines between Brookline — Rox- 
bury — and Boston 

Voted To accept the Reports of the several committees 

Voted Tliat. School Mistresses should be paid soon as their terra 
of Keeping expired — 

Voted Tliat the Constable or collector be empowered to enforce 



54G 

the collection of the single polls at any time after presenting the 
Tax Bill and if payment or securit}' be delayed ten days no deduc- 
tion to be made from the face of the Bill 



1822 November 5th At a meeting of the Qualified Voters of the 
Town of Brookline legally" warned and Assembled for the purpose 
of giving in their Votes for Representative to Congress when 
there appeared for the Hon William Eustice Sixteen Votes 
for the Hon Richard Sullivan one Vote 
Voted for Register of Deeds in Room of James Foord (De- 
ceased) There appeared 

for Enos Ford. Twent}' five Votes 
for Doct. Elisha Tha3'er. one Vote — 



1823 March 3d At a meeting of Freeholders and other In- 
habitants of the Town of Brookline Legally warned and assem- 
bled at the Brick School House. 

Dea John Robinson was chosen Moderator 

Oliver Whyte Town Clerk. 

John Robinson Nath'l Murdock Oliver Whyte selectmen & 
assessors 

Ebenezer Heath Town Treasurer 

Aaron Corey 1 . North Cha Stearns 2 James Holden 3 Caleb 
Clark 4 Will'm Ackers 1 middle Eben'r Heath 2 Eben'r Richards 
3 Joseph Ford 1 South Tho W Sumner 2 

William H. Brown Nath'l Murdock surveyors of wood &c 

Caleb Clark Cha Stearns Sen'r Fence Viewers 

Edward Hall Daniel Pierce Field drivers 

Doct. Cha. Wild Geo W. Stearns Tythingmen 

John Robinson Eben'r Heath Dan'l Pierce Geo W. Stearns Cha 
Stearns Fire wards 

Dan'l Peny Dan'l Pierce Pound Keepers 



547 

A. Caryl A. Field A. Corey Moses Jones Jos Williams E. Corey 
Jun'r Ilogreaves 

Geo W Stearns Clk of Market 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard Oliver Whyte comniittee on 
Town accounts 

Capt. Tho Griggs Capt. Dan'l Pierce Capt. Cha. Stearns com- 
mittee on Town's stock of Arms, &c &c 

Benja Bradley constable and collector of Taxes for 10^ p ct. 
with a deduction of 8 {/> ct. on all payments made on or before the 
first of January 

John Bullard had fort}- five Votes for County Treasurer 

Voted To Raize five hundred dollars to repair Ilighwaj-s to be 
worked out at the rate of §1.25 for man. same for Team 

Voted That Nett Cattle horses &; horse kind shall not run at 
large 

Voted That Rich'd Sullivan Esqr. Charles Stearns & Deacon 
Joshua C. Clark be a committee to examine the situation of Marsh 
road 

Voted That a committee consisting of the Selectmen Joined by 
Mr. Samuel Craft and Caleb Craft examine all the School Houses 
in town and Report at April Meeting 

Voted To reject assistance to a singing school at the south part 
of the Town — 



lft23 April 7 At a meeting of the qualified Voters of the Town 
of Brookline legally warned and assembled for the purpose of giving 
in their Votes for Governor Lieut. Governor & Senators 

For Governor. Hon. H. G. Otis ha 1 Fifty three Votes 
Hon Wra. Eustis had Fifty two Votes 

For Lieut Governor. Hon Dan'l Noble Fift}- foiu* Votes 
Hon Levi Lincoln Fifty two Votes 



548 

For Senators 

Hon. Lewis Fisher had fift}' four Votes 

Hon. Rich'd Sullivan " " " 

Doct. Amos Holbrook " " " 

Hon John Ruggles had fifty two Votes 
Josiah J. Fisk Esq'r " " " 

Sherman Leland Esq'r. " " " 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator 
Voted That the Vote rejecting \'oung children from mens Schools 
till the}' can read in plain reading, be reconsidered and that here- 
after small children be admitted. 

Voted That the School committee have a joint power with the 
Selectmen in Regulating the Schools 

Voted That the School committee be Elected Annually at March 
Meeting 

Voted That the report of the committee on school houses be 
accepted and that the same committee carr}- it into Effect — 

Voted To refer the further consideration of making allowances 
for a southern Singing school to May meeting 

Voted That the Report of the committee on the Lines betvv'een 
Roxbury and Brookline be accepted 



1823 May 5. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legall}' warned and assembled for choice of Representative to the 
General Court 

Deacon. John Robinson had forty one Votes 

Dea Joshua C. Clark had Six Votes. 

Dea John Robinson was then chosen Moderator 

Voted That. One hundred and fifty dollars be appropriated for 
"VVomens schools 

Voted That. Abel Hubbard Dan'l Pierce Joseph Ford be a com- 
mittee to procure School mistresses 



549 

Voted Thnt Thirty lliroo liniidml (lf)ll:ir.s be raized the ensuing 
year for Town, State & county Tax 

Voted That the Reports of coniniitteex on iNIarsh Koad and 
Town Accounts be accepted 

Voted That twenty dollars be granted to the South Singing 
School 

Voted that Thomas AV. Sumner be excused from serving as 
surve^'or of Highways and that Joshua C. Clark be appointed in 
his stead 

Voted That hereafter all applications for money to assist sing- 
ing shall be refused unless applied for previous to the school. 



1823 Septem 8th at a meeting of The Qualified Voters of the 
To^vn of Brookline legally warned and assembled for the purpose 
of giving in their Votes for Representative to Congress in Room of 
His Excellency Wm. Eustis, when there appeared for 

Jolin Baily Esq'r fourteen Votes 

John W. Ames Esq'r Eleven Votes — 

Hon Rich'd Sullivan Five Votes — 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator and The 
Town 

Voted To Grant the singing society worshipping in Brookline 
One hundred & twenty five dollars. The president of this society 
may draw for it as he has Occasion — Members of other societies 
may be exempt from the Expense by Making their wish known to 
the Assessors. 

Voted That. Mr. Benja Goddard, N. Murdock, John Robinson 
Joshua C. Clark, iV. P^ben'r Heath be a Committee to Report at 
next meeting the Expediency of Locating Shed lots 

Voted To Adj*)urn tiiis meeting till first Monday in November 
unless previously notified — 
70 



550 

1823 Noveiriber 3. Agreeable to Adjournment, The Town 
Assembled and in Absence of Dea John Robinson Nathaniel 
Murdock was chosen Moderator — when the Report was Read and 
accepted with the amendment, 

That the live Lots located at the west side of the meeting house 
ma}' be sold and built upon b}- four proprietors with the condition 
that the Town or any Towns man sliall at anj^ time have a right to 
the fifth shed by paying the original cost. 



1824, March 1st At a meeting of the qualified Voters warned 
and assembled at the Brick School house according to Law. 

Deacon John Robinson was cliosen Moderator 

O. Whyte Town Clerk 

John Robinson Oliver Whyte Nath'l IMurdock Selectmen & 
Assessors 

Ebenezer Heath Town Treasurer 

Timo Corey 1. N Dav'd Coolidge 2. Edw Hall 3. O. Whyte 4. 
Simon Tufts 1. M A. Field' 2. Dan'l Pierce 3. C Craft Juu 1 S 
Tho. W. Sumner 2. Surveyors of Highways 

Elijah Corey sen'r Joshua C Clark James Leeds School Com- 
mittee 

Abel Hubbard Nath'l INIurdock Samuel Fowle survej'ors of 
wood & Lumber 

Cha Stearns sen Caleb Clark Fence Viewers 

Benja White Enos Withington Field Drivers 

Charles Wild Edward Hall Tythingmen 

John Robinson Eben'r Heath Dan'l Pierce Geo W. Stearns 
Charles Stearns snr. Fire wards 

Dan'l Pierce Dan'l Perry Pound Keepers 

John Woodward *E. Champney I. Hammond Hogreaves 

Geo W Stearns Clk of Market 

John Robinson Jos Goddard Whj'te Com on Town accounts 



551 

Capt Tlio Gngg3 Capt Daii'l Pierce Ca[)t C'lia Stearns .luii 
com on Stock of Anns, Anmiunition &c 

Voted Klisha Stone Constable and collector of Ta.xes for Ten p 
cent -with a dednction of Eight p ct. for all who i)a3' by 1st 
.lannary. 

Voted Martin Morse constable for the protection of Property 
near the Mill Dam 

Voted E. Stone Sexton 

John Bullard had forty six Votes for County Treasurer 

Voted to raise Five hundred dollars to repair Highways to be 
worked out as Usual 

Voted that Neat Cattle Horses and horse kind shall not run at 
large within the Town without a keeper 

Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to Examine the Situ- 
ation of the Towns land near Mr Peunimans Sc report at April 
meeting 

Voted that Mr Benja Goddard Mr. Eben'r Heath & Mr. James 
Leeds be a com. to define the duties of Sexton 

O. AVhyte Town Clerk 

lS2-t April 5. At a meeting of the qualified Voters of the 
Town of Brooklinc legally warned and Assembled to give in their 
Votes for Governor & Lieut Governor & Senators there appeared 
for Hon Samuel Lothrop seventy two ^'otes for Governor, for 
Lieut. Governor the Hon Richard Sullivan had seventy three 
Votes. 

His, Excellency William Eustis had fifty four ^''otes for Gov- 
ernor, and the Hon Marcus Morton had fifty three Votes for Lien- 
tc'uant Governor 

The Hon Thomas Greenleaf Doct Naih'l Miller c'c Dan'l S 
I ireenough Esq had each Seventy one Votes for Senators. 

Hon .lolni Riiggles Hon Josiah J. Fiske vfc Hon SlicMuan Iceland 
had eacli fifty four \'otes 



552 

Hon. Samuel Hubbard, Heman Lincoln, John Cotton Jona. 
Phillips, Theodore L}' man, &, Francis C. Gray Esq'rs had each one 
Vote for senators 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator when the report 
of the Committee on the Duties of the Sexton was read & accepted 

Voted That, the Selectmen, Tho. W. Sumner Ebenezer Heath 
&; Joshua C. Clark, be a Committee to Examine the state of the 
Brick School house and report at May meeting the probable 
expence of Repairing it and Errecting a New House of Brick, 
Wood & Stone 

Voted That the Selectmen be empower'd and requested to dis- 
pose of the small piece of Land about the tenth of an acre lying 
in Common adjoining Mr E Penimans land 

N B. This land was apprized at forty dollars & disposed of to 
Mr E Peniman 

Voted That the Inhabitants on the Mill Dam have their propor- 
tion of Tax allowed them for the support of a school there 

they were allowed $46.91 cents 

Maij 3, 1824 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 

Legally warned and assembled for the choice of Repesentative to 

the General Court 

Deacon John Robinson was unanimously chosen 

Dea John Robinson was then chosen moderator 

Martin Morse was chosen Constable 

Voted One hundred & fifty dollars for Wonians schools 

Geo W. Stearns Benja White Caleb Craft Jun'r Com. to 

provide School Mistress 

Voted Thirty dollars to the singing societ}^ for the present 

year — 

Voted That the Brick school house be not repaired 

Voted That Mr Sumner be emplo^'ed to draft a plan of a One 

Story building to accommodate the Town 



553 

Voted That the Selectmen be required to call ;i meeting on 
Monday next to see whether the Town will huild a School 
House 

Mr P^benezcr [Heath] made a return of a certificate that the 
five sheds built on the "Westerlj- side of the meeting house — built 
b}- and belonging to Messrs. Sam'l Hammond, Elisha Penniman, 
Ebenezer Heath Ebenezer Richards and Benjamin "White cost of 
each averaged Eighty dollars & -^^^ Joseph Sewall built a shed 
adjoining the same in 1825 the cost of which was — 



1824 Maij 10. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and Assembled for the purpose of taking the vote 
of the Town on the subject of building a School and Town Houses 
and Granting money for the expence of the Town the Current 
year — 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator 

Voted that the Town build a two story building the basement 
to be entirely above ground. 

Voted That the building he of wood 48 by 28 feet. 

Voted That the Committee to build be the same who were 
appointed on the expediency of repairing the Brick School 
house — 

Voted that Mr. Rich'd Sullivan be added to the Committee 

Voted to reconsider the vote for building of wood so far as to 
give the committee the power to build the basement of stone if 
the}- think proper 

Voted to reconsider former votes for building of "Wood «&:c and 
built agreable to Mr Sumner's first plan exhibited, giving the 
Committee power to Lower the stories if they think advisable that 
the building be of stone — 

Voted that the Town treasurer be empowered to Borrow what 
money is necessary to errcct the building voted above. 



554 

Voted To Raize Thirty eight hundred dollars for the expencc of 

the Town the Current year 

Voted to raize Six hundred dollars towards the expence of the 

above building 

O. Whyte Town Clk 

Aiigust 30 1824. At a meeting legally warned and assembled 
for the choice of Representative to Congress in room of John 
Baily sent home, when there appeared twenty six Votes for Sher- 
man Leland, Five for John Baily and one for Hon Richard 

Sullivan 

O Whyte Town Clk 

1824 November 1. At a Meeting legally warned and Assembled 
for the choice of Representative to Congress and for Electors of 
President and Vice President, the following persons for Electors 
of President and Vice President of the United States 

At large Wm, Gray & Levi Lincoln. Suffolk, Thomas L. Win- 
throp Essex South Nath'l Sllsby Essex North Docter Jos Kitter- 
idge, Norfolk John Eudicott Plymouth Thomas AVebster Worcester 
South Jonathan Davis Worcester North Edward Cushing Bristol!' 
Cornelius Griswold Middlesex Augustus Tower Barnstable Hese- 
kiah Barnard Berkshire William AValker Franklin Oliver Smith i 
Handen Enos Foster had sixty Votes each 

At large Wm. Bailies & William Reed, Berkshire Wm. Walken 
Franklin Samuel Porter, Hamden Timothy Horfen, Worcester! 
North Solomon Strong Worcester South Dan'l Thurber Middlesex^ 
Edmund Foster Essex North David Howe Essex South Wm. Sut- 
ton Suffolk Samuel Hubbard Norfolk Benjamin Rej'nolds Bristol 
John M. Williams Plymouth Benjamin Hobart, Barnstable 
Nymphas Marston had One Vote each 

At large. Wm. Baylies & Wm. Reed Suffolk Samuel Hubbard 
Essex South Leverett Saltenstal, Essex North David Howe, Mid) 
dlesex Samuel Howe Jun'r Worcester North Solomon Strong] 
Worcester South Solon Towne Jun'r Franklin Samuel Porten 



555 

I Haraden Lewis Strong, Berksliiro Dtmicl Nol)le NorfolU IMwaid 
II Kobbins. Bristol Jolin ]\I Williams Plymouth 'riiomas Ilobart. 
Barnstable N^ymplias Marston had one Vote cacii 
For 18th Congress 

Hon. Richard Sullivan had forty five Votes 
Doct Samuel Bugbee luul twenty live Votes 
For 19th Congress 

Hon. Richard Sullivan had forty three Votes 
Doct Samuel Bugbee Twent}- Six & 
Hon John Enclicot had one Vote — 
Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator when the 
Town 

[Voted] to give the committee Instructions to Establish the 
bounds of Boston and Brookline at the center of the principal 
western channel which empties into mudd}' River from Charles 
River 

The Hon. Richard Sullivan then read the Address from the 
Bunker Hill Mominiont Association, to the Several Towns in the 
State which was heard with attention and universal approbation. 
Mr Eben'r Heath and Capt Cook were appointed to hand the Sub- 
scription Book to ever}- Citizen above the Meeting house and 
Deacon John Robinson & O White to offer it to all persons below 
the Meeting house. Collection made above the meeting bouse 
from persons, was One hundred & Nint^' four dollars. 194 — 

Collections from below the Meeting house from persons, was 
One hundred lift}- six dolls -^J'rj 156.75 and the whole amount 
Paid to the Treasurer Nath. P. Russell Es(iuire 10th Decern 
1820 by O Whyte 

Novcm. 20 fh. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
for the choice of Representative to the 18th Congress 
Rufus G. Amory had fifty seven Votes 
John Baily had two Votes 
Sherman Leland One Vote 



656 

For the lOtli Congress, Sherman Leland had fifty six Votes 
Rufus S. Amory had two Votes 
John Bail}' had two Votes 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator when the 
Town 

Voted The Selectmen be a committee to dispose of the Brick 
School house at Auction when the}' think proper. 

In consequence they appointed the next Friday the 3d 
day of December at 2 O'Clock P M at which time the building 
was sold with a few usless Logs &c for about One hundred & 
fort}' eight dollars — 

1825 January 1st Saturday ensuing the New Town Hall was 
Dedicated by Prayer and Sacred musick 

January 3d At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklinc 
legally warned and assembled in the Town Hall for the choice 
of Representative to the 19th Congress when the Hon Sher- 
man Leland had twenty nine votes & John Baily had Ten 
votes. 

The Town then passed an unanimous Vote of Thanks to Deacon 
John Robinson for the valuable Present of a Chandelier for the use 
of the Town Hall and that the same be placed on the Town 
record — 

Agreeable to a vote of the Town on the first of November the 
committee appointed for the purpose, met the Mayor & Aldermen 
of Boston on the Mill Dam and Established the following boun- 
dary lines between the Town of Brookline and City of Boston, 
Commencing at a stone monument eleven hundred and twenty three 
feet distant Westerly from the westerly side of the filling Sluices of 
the Boston and Roxbury Mill Dam thence running north westerly 
from the monument on the Mill Dam till it strikes the center of 
the Channel of Charles River and also running from said monument 
on the Mill Dam, Southerly in the direction of the Steeple of Doct 



557 

Porters meeting House till it strikes the Center of the channel of 
Muddy river at which point the Town of Brookline Roxbury and 
the Cit}- of Boston meet agreeable to a Survey taken by 8. P. Ful- 
ler and held by the City of Boston. 

1825 March 7th At a meeting of qualified Voters warned and 
assembled in the Town Hall agreeable to Law 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen moderator 

O. Whyte Town Clerk 

John Robinson O. Whyte Selectmen 

Ebenezer Heath Town Treasurer 

Thanks were Voted to Mr Murdock for his Services as Select- 
man 

E. Corey Jun'r 1 N Moses Jones 2. Dan'l Perry 3 Caleb Clark 
4. Benj White 1 M Jonas Reed 2. Jos White 3 Ro Harris 1 S. 
Isaac Cook 2. Surveyors of Highways 

Dea E. Corey Dea Clark James Leeds School Committee 

Nath'l Murdock Abel Hubbard surveyors of wood «&;c 

Chas Stearns sen'r Caleb Clark Fence Viewers 

Timo H Child Enos Withington Field drivers 

Doct Wild James Holden Tythingmen 

John Robinson E. Heath D. Pierce, G. W Stearns Chas 
Stearns fire wards 

Dan'l Pierce Dan'l Perry pound keepers 

Amos Snow Ralph Emer}- Hogreaves 

Geo W. Stearns Clerk of the Market 

J Robinson Jos Goddard 0. Whyte com on Town Accounts 

Capt Griggs Capt Pierce Capt C Stearns com on Arms & 
Ammunition 

Jolin Bullard had Forty Votes for County Treasurer 

Voted Elisha Stone Constable and collector of Taxes for 
10 p ct with a deduction of 8 pet. to all who pay before 
1 Jan'y 

71 



558 

Voted to raize Five hundred dollars to repair the Highwaj's to 
be worked out as usual 

Voted That neat cattle Horses & Horse kind shall not 
run at large within the Limits of the Town without a 
Keeper 

Voted to postpone the choice of the 3d selectman till April 
meeting 

Voted that Hereafter the Sexton shall be appointed by the 
Selectmen 

Voted that the Selectmen with three others, be a committee to 
examine the roads and Report at April meeting the sum necessary 
for their repairs 

Voted That Dea Corey Dea Clark & C Craft Jun'r join the 
Selectmen as the com on Roads 

Voted That the South District receive their propotion of School 
money as Usual 



March 7th Jury Box was Regulated agreeable to the new Law 
on the subject — 



1825 April 4. At a meeting of the Qualified Voters of the 

Town of Brookline legally warned and assembled to give in their 

Votes for Governor and Lieut. Governor & Senators when there 

appeared for 

for Governor 

The Hon Levi Lincoln fifty five Votes 
Hon Samuel Lothrop one Vote 
Benja Goddard one Vote 

Lieut. Governor 
The Hon Marcus Morton fifty six 
Ben Bradley one Vote 



i59 



For Senators 

The Hon Josiah J. Fiskc had fifty five Votes 
Hon John Ruggles had fort}' five Votes 
Win. Ellis Esq'r had fifty two Votes 
Henry Gardner Esq had Eight Votes 
Ruftis G. Amory Esq'r had twelve Votes 
Hon Richard Sullivan had two Votes 



Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator when the 
Vote was taken for Selectman when there appeared for Mr. 
Tho Griggs Thirt}' two Votes for Mr. Ebenezer Heath twenty 
eight Votes for Mr Benja White one Vote. Mr. Griggs excused 
himself from serving and at the Second Ballot. Mr James Leeds 
had one Vote & Mr Eben'r Heath had forty one Votes and 
accepted. Mr Tho W. Sumner declined serving for Survejor and 
paid his fine to O Whyte which was paid over to Mr Benja God- 
dard May 1 1826 — 

Mr. Isaac Cook was then chosen Surveyor 

The Committee appointed at March meeting to Examine the 
roads and report what parts required assistance made their Report 
to allow the 3d Middle District Ten dollars, The Second Middle 
Ten dollars and the first South Thirty dollars In addition to their 
Highway Lists. The former committee were appointed to Locate 
Shed Lots, when after examining the Situation, the}- laid out four 
Lots on East side of the Meeting House running East ik West 
commencing twentj- five feet west of the front of other sheds now 
Built 

Voted That Mr Caleb Craft Jun'r be a committee man to pro- 
vide the School ^Masters & Mistresses for the South School for the 
Year under the Control of the School Committee as other 
Schools 



560 

May 2 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally 
warned and Assembled for the Choice of Representative to the 
General Court when there appeared Eighteen Votes 

Seventeen for Dea John Robinson & one for Caleb Craft Jnn'r 

John Robinson was then chosen Moderator when the Town 

Voted to build the most approved Hayscale 

Voted that a Committee of the Selectmen with Mr Charles 
Stearns & Capt Geo W. Stearns attend to having the same 
Erected 

Voted that One hundred & fifty dollars be appropriated as 
usual for womens schools 

Capt Geo W Stearns Mr. John Warren Mr. Jos Ford committee 
to provide Mistresses in their Respective Districts 

Voted a List of Twenty two Jurors agreeable to the Last Law 

Voted that the Report on Shed Lots be Accepted 

Voted that Forty eight hundred dollars be Raized for the 
expenses of the Town the Present year. 

Voted that when shed Lot No 9 shall be Erected the Selectmen 
be empowered to have a Suitable room for the Hearce &c finished 

Voted That 0. Whyte & Geo W Stearns be a Com. to Enquire 
the expense of having the bell re cast 

N.B. some time after on Examining the Meeting house it was 
found necessary That the Tower and Steple should be repaired 
and as it could not be done this Season it was agreed that the 
Subscription for the Bell should not be called for till next Season, 
and while the repairs are going on 

November 9. Mr Ebenezer Heath & 0. Whyte with the assist- 
ance of Mr Samuel Slack & Wm. Ackers Examin the Situation 
and Bounds of the Ministerial woodlot in Needham and concluded 
that it will be well for the wood to grow Ten years longer before 
cut 



561 

Memo. The Sheds built on the east side of the Meeting house 
in Summer of 1825 

Built for. No. 10. Tho H. Perkins 

11. Aug. Aspinwall 

12. Aug. Aspinwall 

13 James Holden 

14 Aug. Aspinwall 

Average Cost Eight}' Seven dollars & 4 Cents Exclusive of 
Land 

December 14. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legallv warned and Assembled To see what the Town would do 
respecting the contemplated turnpike from Holliston thro this 
Town. — they chose 

John Robinson moderator & 

Voted that the Selectmen draw up a remonstrance to the Leg- 
islature against the proposed turnpike and in case it should be 
granted b}- the Legislature the Representative of the Town be 
instructed to make the best terms he can for the accommodation 
of the Inhabitants of the Town. 



1826 March 6. At a meeting of the qualified Voters of Brook- 
line legally warned and assembled 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator 

Whyte Town Clerk 

John Robinson O Whyte Eben'r Heath Selectmen & Asses- 
sors 

Ebcn'r Heath Town Treasurer 

Enos Withingtou I N. Rufus Babcock 2. John Woodward 3 
Tho Wally 4 Eben'r Heath 1 middle Eben Richard 2. Jos White 
3 Tirao H. Childs 1 So Benja Goddard 2. Surveyors of Iligh- 
wava 



562 

Elijah Corey sen'r J. C. Clark James Leeds School Com- 
mittee 

Nath'l Murdock, Abel Hubbard Surveyors of wood &c 

Caleb Clark, Joliu Warren Fence Viewers 

Daniel Pierce Moses Jones Field drivers 

Eben'r Heath George W. Stearns Tythingmen 

John Eobinson, E. Heath Dan'l Pierce G. W. Stearns & Cha 
Stearns Firewards 

Dan'l Perrj' Dan'l Pierce Pound Keepers 

John Hayden John Whittier & Ed Perry Hogreaves 

Geo W Stearns elk of Market 

J Robinson Jos Goddard O. Whyte com on Town accounts 
^D. Pierce C. Stearns Jun T. Griggs com on Stock of Arms &c 

Elisha Stone was chosen constable & collector of Taxes for 10 
p cent with deduction of 8 ^ ct for all who pay before the first of 
January 

John Bullard had forty six Votes for county Treasurer 

Voted To raize five hundred dollars for repairing Highwa^^s to 
be worked out as usual 

Voted That Neat Cattle Horses and Horse Kind shall not run 
at large within the Limits of the Town without a keeper 

Voted That a committee of Five examine the school houses and 

report at April Meeting 

O Whyte Town Clerk 

1826 April 3. At a meeting of the qualified Voters of the Town 
of Brookline legall}- warned and assembled to give in their votes 
for Governor, Lieut. Governor & Senators there appeared for his 
Excellency Levi Lincoln forty five votes for Governor, also two 
votes for Samuel Hubbard and one vote for the Hon James 
Loyd 

For Lieut. Governor the Hon Tho. L. Winthrop had fortj- seveni 
votes 



563 

For Senators The Hon Josiah Fisko had forty six Votes 
The lion Wm. Ellis had forty five Votes 

Hon Henry Gardner had fort}' seven Votes 
Hon Rich'd Sullivan had two Votes 

David 8. Greenough Esq'r one Vote 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moder-ator 

Voted That the Selectmen be a Committee to see the Inside of 
the School Houses repaired before the winter Schools commence 

Voted That the Selectmen be empowered to make repairs they 
shall tliink necessary to the Meeting house 

Voted That One hundred dollars shall be granted to the Sing- 
ing Society 
< Voted That the Rev'd Doct Pierce & Selectmen shall be added 

to the School Commitee 

O. Whvte Town Clerk 



1826 May 1st At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legall}- warned and assembled for the choice of Representative to 
the General Court when there appeared for Deacon John Robbinson 
twelve Votes 

Dea John Robinson was then chosen Moderator when the Town 

Voted To Raize Forty two hundred Dollars for the P^xpenses of 
;he Town the current year — 

Voted to have three womens Schools the present Season as 
usual 

June lith John Whitticr took up in Damage in Mr. B. Guilds 
pasture a dark Bay horse about 15 hands high marked with a star 
n the forehead near hind foot white supposed to be about nine 
(^ears old was Lame in his olf fore foot from which a nail was 
;aken by the Farrier and from that time he grew better of his 
ameness and was apprized 11th October 



564 



I 



Novem 6. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned & assembled for choice of Representative to 
Congress when the Hon John Baily had nine Votes 

Hon Rich'd Sullivan had three Votes 

Decern 18th Taken up on Benja Guilds farm in Brookline by 
John Whittier the 28th Novem a small Red Cow 7 or 8 years old 
with the letters L. S. cut in the hair on the left Side, hind feet 
white, the above cow has been advertized according to Law. 

1827 March 5th At a meeting of the Freehold and other In- 
habitants of the Town of Brookline legally warned and assembled 
at the Town Hall 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator 

Oliver Whyte Town Clerk 

John Robinson Oliver Whyte Ebenezer Heath Selectmen & 
Assessors 

Ebenezer Heath Town Treasurer 

Augustus Aspinwall 1 North Tho Griggs 2. Geo W. Stearns 3. 
Jos Sewall 4, Benja white 1 middle Dan'l Pierce 2. Will'm 
Ackers 3. Thadd's Jackson 1 South John Warren. 2. Survej'ors 

Elijah Corey sen'r Joshua C. Clark. James Leeds School 
Committee 

Geo W. Stearns Elisha Stone survej'ors of wood &c 

Caleb Craft Caleb Clark Fence viewers 

Daniel Pierce Moses Jones Field drivers • 

Capt. Cha Stearns Eben'r Heath Tythingmen 

John Robinson Eben'r Heath Daniel Pierce Geo. W. Stearns 
Charles Stearns Firewards 

Daniel Perry Daniel Pierce Pound Keepers 

William Emer}^, Sam'l Craft Cha Stearns Jun A. W. Goddard 
Nelson Marble Hogreaves 

George W. Stearns Clk of Market 



565 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard Oliver Whytc committee on 
Town Accounts 

Daniel Pierce Capt. Griggs Cha Stearns Jun'r committee on 
To^tn Stock of Arms &c 

Elisha Stone chosen constable and collector of Taxes for 10 ^ 
ct. Avitli a deduction of 8 p ct. to all who pay on or before the first 
of Janiuny 

John BuUard had Fort}' three votes for County Treasurer 

Voted To Raise Five hundred dollars to Repair the Highways 
to be worked out as usual 

Voted That Neat Cattle Horses and Horse Kind shall 
not run at large within the Limits of the Town without a 
Keeper 

Voted That, Benjamin Goddard Ebenezer Heath and Elisha 
Penniraan be a committee whose dut}' it shall be to see at all times 
that a contract which was made between the Town and the Wor- 
cester turnpike corporation is fulfilled with good faith b}' the 
parties thereto — and that said Turnpike road generally far as it 
passes through this Town is kept in Repair — with full power to 
prosecute at the expense of the Town for an}' breach of covenant 
or for any failure on the part of said coi'poration to keep said road 
in suitable repair according to Law 

1827 Ajyril 2. At a Meeting of the Freehold and other Inhabi- 
tants of the Town of Brookliue legall}' warned and assembled at 
the Town Hall, for the choice of Governor, Lieut. Gov. & Senators 
when there appeared 

For his Excellency Levi Lincoln for Governor Fift}' Six 
Votes 

for B. Goddard "Wm. C. Jarvis and B. Bradley one Vote 

For Hon Tho L. Winthrop for Lent. Governor had Fift}- seven 
Votes 

A. Field & N. Sevcrns one Vote — 
72 



566 



for Senators 
Hon. Eich'd Sullivan had Fifty one Votes 
" Sherman Leland " Fifty two Votes 
" ChristoWebb " Fifty Six Votes 
" Henry Gardner " Three Votes 
" William Ellis " Three Votes 
" Eben'r Seaver " Three Votes 
" Wm. Sullivan " One Vote 
Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moderator — when 
the Town 

Voted to Raize Sixty dollars to be apportioned on the Highways 
by the Selectmen 

1827 May 7. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and Assembled for the choice of Representative to 
the General Court and for other purposes 

Deacon John Robinson was unanimously chosen Representative 
to the General Court 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moderator when the 
Town 

Voted To raize Sixty dollars for the singing society 

Voted That the Selectmen cause the Body of the meeting house 
to be painted the present year — 

Voted to Raize Forty two hundred dollars for the Expense of 
the count}', Town & Parish the present year 

Voted that Samuel Craft Joseph White & Caleb Craft be a 
Committee to provide School Mistresses in their Respective 
districts — 



1828 March 3. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally warned and Assembled at the Town Hall. 
Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator 
Oliver Whyte Town Clk & Sworn 



567 

John Robinson Eben'r Heath O. Wliyte Selectmen & Assessors 

Ebenezer Heath To^yn Treasurer 

John Robinson 1st N. Cha Stearns Jun. 2. James Leeds 3 
Caleb Clark 4 John Hayden 1 middle Eben'r Richards 2. Jos 
White 3 Curtis Travis 1 So. Isaac Cook Junr 2. Surveyors 

Doct Pierce Selectmen Dea. E. Corey Gen'I School Committee 

Tho Gri£;prs North John Warren Middle Caleb Craft South 
District School Com. 

Elisha Stone Geo W. Stearns Surve3'ors of wood &c 

Caleb Craft Caleb Clark Fence Viewers 

Daniel Pierce Cha Stearns Jun'r Field drivers 

Cha Stearns Jun'r Eben'r Heath Tythingmen 

Daniel Pierce Pound Keeper 

John Robinson Ebenezer Heath Daniel Pierce George W. 
Stearns Charles Stearns Firewards 

Joshua C. Clark Isaac Cook Jun'r R. Babcock Geo Whiting. 
Tho Thompson Hogreaves 

Geo. W Stearns elk of Market 

John Robinson Joseph Goddard Whjte committee on Town 
ac'ls 

Capt D. Pierce Capt Tho Griggs Capt Cha Stearns com. on 
Town Stock of Arms &c 

Benjamin Bradley Constable and Collector of Taxes for 10 p 
Ct. with a deduction of 8 ,|p Ct. to all who pa}- by 1st January- 
Voted To raize Five hundred [dollars] for Highways to be 
worked out as usual 

Voted That Cattle shall not run at large within the Limits of 
the Town without a keeper 

March 10. B. Bradley appeared and took the oath of Constable 
& Collector 

1828 April 7. At a Meeting of the qualiQed Voters of the 



5G8 



Town of Brookliue legally warned and assembled for choice of 
Governor Lieut. Governor & Senators when there appeared for 
for Governor 
His Excellency Levi Lincoln Thirty three Votes 
Hon Marcus Morton Three Votes 
for Lieut. Govu'r 
Hon The. Winthrop had Thirty three Votes 
Nath'l Willis Esq'r had two Votes 
Mr Stillman Willis had one Vote 

For Senators 
Hon Christo Webb had Thirty five Votes 
" Sherman Lealaud had Thirt}- four Votes 
" Tho French had Seventeen Votes 
" Rich'd Sullivan had Seventeen Votes 

Dea John Robinson was then chosen Moderator & a Vote was 
taken for County Treasurer when there appeared Thirty five Votes 
for John Bullard Esquire 

1828 Mmj 5. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and Assembled to choose a Representative to the 
General Court and other purposes. 

Deacon John Robinson had Thirty Votes 
Dea Joshua C Clark had Thirty three Votes 
Mr Samuel Craft had one Vote 
Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moderator when the 
Town- 
Voted to Raize Thu'ty eight hundred dollars for the Expense of 
the Town County & Parish 

Voted One hundred and fifty dollars for womens Schools 
Voted to Grant Eighty dollars to the Singing society 

1828 November 3. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line legally warned and assembled for the choice of Electors of 



569 

Pre.sideut and Vice President of the United States and Represen- 
tative to Congress did then give in the following Votes 
Hon T. L. Winthrop of Boston 
lion Sam'l Lothrop of West Springlield at large 
Sutlblk Dis't Jesse Putnam of Boston 
Essex South Stephen White of Salem 
Essex North. Baily Bartlctt of Haverhill 
Middlesex Nathan Chandler of Lexington 
Worcester South Gen. John Davis of Oxford 
Worcester North Hon Silas Ilolman of Bolton 
Franklin Col Elid Ciilbert of Greenlield 
Hampshire Hon Joshua Frost of Springfield 
Berkshire Samuel Jones Esq of Stockbridge 
Norfolk Hon Edw'd H. Robbins of Milton 
Plymouth Seth Spraguc of Duxbury 
Bristol Oliver Starkweather of Pawtucket 
Barnstable Braddock Dimmuck of Falmouth had forty two Votes 



Hon Nathan Willis Berkshire District 
David Hcnshaw Suftblk district at Large 
SuUolk Dist John K. Simpson of Boston 
Essex South Col James Newhall of L^'unfield 
Essex North John Ross Esq'r of Methueu 
Middlesex Wm. Austin Charlestown 
Worcester South Hon Jonas Sibley Sutton 
Worcester No — Will'm Willard Esq. Lancaster 
Franklin John Drury Colerain 
ILampden. Gen Jas. M. Forward Southwick 
Berksliire Hon Phineas Allen Pittsfield 
Norfolk Hon Eben'r Seaver Roxbury 
Plymouth Hon Peter JI Pierce Middleboro 
Briston Elisha Dagget Jun'r Esq'r Middleboro 
Barnstable John P. Norton Esq'r Tisbury 



570 

For Representative to Congress, the Hon John Bailj'^ had Thirty j 
Eight Votes, Hon Ebeuezer Seaver had fifteen Votes, Hon Rich'd , 
Sullivan had one Vote 

Dea John Robinson was then chosen moderator and the Jury 

Box regulated by vote of the Town 

O White Town Clk 

1829 March 2. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- 
line legally warned and Assembled 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen moderator 

O Whyte Town elk & Sworn 

John Robinson O Whyte Eben'r Heath Selectmen & Assessors 

O Wh3'te Town Treasurer 

A Vote was then taken for Constable and Collector of Taxes 
when there appeared a tie between B. Bradley & E. Stone. On 
the Second trial B. Bradley was charged with putting in two or 
more Votes. At the third trial a foreigners Vote was disputed 
and a Vote for an adjournment till April meeting was carried 

April 6. Benjamin Bradley was chosen Constable and Collector 
of Taxes for 10 ^ ct. with a deduction of 8 ^ ct for all who pa^^ 
on or before the 1st of January 

Timo'y Corey 1 n Martin Morse 2 n James Holden 3 0. Wh3'te 
4 n E. Penniman 1 mid Dan'l Pierce 2 Dan'l Sanderson 3. Tho. 
Tilden 1 so John Warren 2 — Survej^ors 

Doct Pierce Selectmen Dea E. Corey Gen'l School Committee 

Caleb Clark No B Bradley Mid C Craft So District School 
Committee 

Geo W Stearns E Stone Surve3"ors of wood &c 

Caleb Craft Caleb Clark Fence Viewers 

Daniel Pierce Cha Stearns Jun'r Field drivers 

Cha Stearns Elijah Core}^ Tythingmen • 

Daniel Pierce Pound Keeper 

John Robinson Dea Clark Dan'l Pierce Geo W. Stearns Cha 
Stearns Fii'ewards 



571 

Dea E. Corey, Otis Withington Ro Mitchill John II Pierce, John 
Campbell Alvin Loker James Bartlett ITogrcaves 

Geo W. Stearns Clk of Market 

Caleb Clark. Caleb Craft D. Coolidge committee on Town 
accounts 

Capt Pierce Capt Griggs & Capt Cha Stearns committee on 
iTown Stock of Arms &c 

John Billiard had Forty three Votes for Count}- Treas'r 

Voted Five hundred dollars for highway' taxes to be worked out 
as usual 

Voted that Neat, Cattle, Horses & horse kind shall not Run at 
large within the limits of this town without a keeper 

O Whyte Town Clerk 

1829, Ajyril (Sth. At a meeting of the Inhabitants in Town 
Meeting legally warned and Assembled for choice of Governor, 
Lieut. Gov'r and Senators. 

His Excellenc}- Levi Lincoln had ninty four Votes for Governor 
Hon Theo. L. Winthrop had Ninty four Votes for Lieut. Governor 
For Senators and Counsellors 
Hon Christo Webb had ninty four Votes 
Hon Sherman Leland had Fifty Six Votes 
" Thomas French had forty five Votes 
" Eben'r Seaver had. Thirt}- seven Votes 
" Rich'd Sullivan had Eleven Votes 
" William Ellis had Thirty Eight Votes 

Voted That a committee be chosen to see -what amt. the Town 
of Roxbury have allowed for the purchase of Hose and Buckets for 
the New Engine Norfolk and that this Town meet them in any 
expense for the same not exceeding Fifty dollars 

Whyte Town Clk 

1829 May 4. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 



572 

legally warned and Assembled for choice of Representative to the 
General court and other purposes 

Deacon Joshua C Clark had forty eight Votes 
Deacon John Robinson had forty three Votes 
Hon Rich'd Sullivan had two Votes 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator 

The committee appointed at March meeting to examin the 
Town accounts and report at this meeting the amount to be 
Assessed the present year were not ready to Report 

Voted That a committee of Five be chosen to attend to the 
location of the Road near Mr. Charles Stearns house. 

That Tho W Sumner Tho Griggs David Coolidge Cha Stearns 
& Moses Jones Committee 

Voted That this meeting stand adjourned to monda^- 11th Inst 

at 4 oClock P. M. to hear the Report of the Committee on the 

Town accounts — 

O Whyte 

1829 May 11. At an Adjourned meeting from the 4th Inst 

Deacon John Robinson Moderator 

Voted To Accept the report of the Committee on the town 
Accounts, that the Town and School Treasurers acc'ts were well 
vouched and right cast — 

Voted That a committee of three be appointed to examine Mr. 
Heaths acc'ts while Town treasurer that it consist of Caleb Clark 
Caleb Craft & Tho. W Sumner. 

Voted that the Report on the Road near Mr. Charles Steam's 
and that the committee previously chosen with the addition of the 
Selectmen be a committee to see on what conditions the road can 
be obtained 

Voted Thirt}^ eight hundred dollars be raized for the Expense 
of the Town the County & Parish the Current year — 

O Whyte Town Clk 



573 

At a Town meeting legall}- called by Ijcnjaniin Bradley and 
others after due Notifications assembled assembled at the Town 
Hall May 22 — 

IJeacon John Robinson was chosen moderator 

^'oted that one hundred and lil'ty dollars be appropriated for 
womens Schools as usual 

Voted for the singing society one hundred dollars for the 
present year 

Voted to accept the report of the committee on the proposed 
road through D Sears farm 

Voted to accept the Report of the Committee on Town Treas- 
urers accounts 

O Whyte Town Clk 

At the request of Deacon Elijah Corey I have inserted the 
measurement of the Lot of Land whereon the Baptist Meeting 
house stands and the Yard adjoining containing about forty six 
rods 

commencing two feet South east of the south eastern Elm tree, 
running North westerly two hundred and twelve feet on the Cam- 
bridge road from thence south westerl}- sixt}- eight feet on Land 
of Robert Davis's heirs, Southerl}' uint}' four feet to land of Jona- 
than Dana's heirs from thence easterlj' Sixty eight feet on the 
AVatertown road to a point seven feet southerl}- from the place of 

beginning 

O Whyte Town elk 

N. B. The Elm trees have been transplanted this Season and 

have taken root — 1829 

1829 August 31. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and assembled at the Town Hall 

To see what the Town would do respecting the alteration and 
improvement of the road from the South School house towards 
Spring Street, 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator 
73 



574 

Voted That Mr Eben'r Heath, O Whyte, Benjamin Goddard, 

Thomas W Sumner Thomas Tilden Benjamin White and Enos 

Withington be a Committee to meet the County Commissioners 

upon the subject of an application for a new road to be laid out in 

the south part of the Town, and of widening the old road with 

Instructions, wholly to oppose the application for a new road, and 

also for altering the old road provided it should create a great 

expense to the Town 

Whyte Town elk 

1830 March 1st At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally warned and assembled at the Town Hall — 

Deacon John Eobinson was chosen moderator 

O. Whyte Town Clk Sworn 

John Robinson O Wh3'te James Leeds Selectmen & Assessors 

Whyte Town Treasurer 

After the choice of Treasurer it was moved by Capt Woodward, 
that we proceed to the choice of Collector & Constable as usual 
at the same time another motion was made by Deacon Thomas 
Griggs that we commit the Collection of Taxes to the Treasurer 
it being ascertained that the Town by this measure would save one 
half the commission heretofore paid for collecting — 

Benjamin Bradley then offered to collect them for one half 
^ ct if he was elected Collector the motion b^^ Deacon Griggs was 
negatived and that of Capt Woodward prevailed and the Inhabi- 
tants proceeded to Ballot for Collector and Constable and Benja- 
min Bradley was unanimously chosen — 

E. Corey Jun'r 1st N Geo Babcock 2. Wm. Jameson 3 Reubin 
Hunting 4 Benja White 1 middle E. Richards 2 Jos White 3 
Alvin Loker 1 So Joshua C. Clark 2. Surveyors of Highways 

Elisha Stone Geo W. Stearns Surveyors of wood &c 

Caleb Craft Caleb Clark Fence Viewers 

Daniel Pierce Charles Stearns Field Drivers 

capt Cha Stearns Elijah Corey Tythingmen 

Daniel Pierce Pound Keeper 



576 

John Robinson Ebenezer Heath Daniel Pierce Geo. W. Stearns 
Charles Stearns Firewards 

Jos Gorldard Marshal Stearns A. W. Goddard Geo Wliiting 
Otis Withington Elijah Corey sen'r Hogreaves 

Geo W. Stearns Clk of Market 

Cha Wild John IIa3'don Eben'r Heath committee on Town 
acc'ts 

Capt Pierce Capt Tho Griggs & Capt C. Stearns committee on 
Town Stock &c 

Voted to Raize five hundred dollars for Highwa3s 

Voted That Cattle shall not run at large within the limits of the 
Town without a Keeper 

Voted to Defer the choice of School Committee till april 

meeting 

O Whyte Town Clk 

1830. April 5. At a meeting of the qualified Voters of Brook- 
line legally warned and Assembled for the choice of Governor, 
Lieut Governor, Senators, & Counsellors. — there was given in for 
His Excellenc}' liexi Lincoln for Gov'r Fift\' one Votes 
His Hon Tho. L. Winthrop for Lieut. Gov'r Fifty one Votes 
Hon Marcus Morton for Governor fourteen Votes 
Hon Nath'l "Willis for Lieut. Gov'r fourteen Votes 

For Senators & Counsellors 
Hon Christo Webb, had fift}- one Votes 
Hon H. A. S. Dearborn fifty one Votes 
Hon. Thomas French fort}- one Votes 
Hon Moses Thatcher ten Votes 
Colo Royal Turner fourteen Votes 

Seth Boyden Esq'r fourteen Votes 
Colo Obed Allen fourteen votes 
Dea John Robinson was then cliosen IModerator 
Elijah Core}' Jun'r declined serving as Surveyor of Highwa3-s 
and George Whiting was appointed in his stead 



576 

Doct Pierce Selectmen & Dea Elijah Corey were chosen as 
General School committee and for prudential committee. Dea 
Thomas Griggs for N District Mr Joseph White for Middle Dis- 
trict and James L. Smith for South District , 

John Bullard received fifty Votes for County Treasurer 

Whyte Town Clk 

1830 May 3. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and assembled for the Choice of Representative 
to the General Court and other purposes. 

Deacon John Robinson had forty eight Votes 
Dea Joshua C. Clark had twent}' eight Votes 
Mr Jos White one Vote — • 

Deacon John Robinson was then Chosen moderator when the 
Town 

Voted to Grant One hundred and fifty dollars for Womens 
Schools 

Voted to Grant One hundred dollars to the Singing Society 

Voted that the Report of the Committee on Town Accounts be 
accepted 

Voted to raize the present j^ear, for expenses of Town, County, 
State and Parish, Forty two hundred dollars — 

Voted that the Town treasurer be authorized to borrow on the 
Credit of the Town Two Thousai^d dollars for four j^ears payable 
by Instalments of five hundred dollars annually if it can be had for 
five p cent ^ annum or less and be appropriated for the Debts of 
the Town — 

Voted that the Selectmen and Assessors appoint the time when 

the collector of taxes shall pay the money into the Treasury of 

the Town 

O. Whyte Town Clk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 



577 

and asscmljled to vote for Kcprcsentative to Congress on 
the 1st November 1830 — the following Votes were given in 

For the Hon. II. A. S. Dearborn Seventy four Votes 
Hon Moses Thatcher four Votes 
" Abel Cashing two Votes — 
Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator when the 
Town 

Voted that the Selectmen direct Mr. Bradley how he shall pro- 
ceed in the collection of Taxes for the present year — 

Voted to choose a committee of three to Digest a plan for the 
collection of Taxes and report at March meeting — that this com- 
mittee consist of — the Hon Richard Sullivan Mr Benja Goddard 

and Dea. Tho. Griggs — 

O Whvte Town elk 



'oo'- 



This day previous to the meeting Dea John Robinson and O 
Whyte as Selectmen and Mr Ebenezer Heath met the Commis- 
sioners on Roads Deacon Tucker and Mr. Ellis near Mr Caleb 
Crafts and proceeded to examine the situation of the road and 
what would be required of the Town and the time to complete the 
road there — with a Mr Sumner from Dedham and after a full 
understanding, Mr Sumner has agreed to bring on Men and teams 
and complcat the Road to the acceptance of the Commissioners 
between this time and the first of May next for One dollar and 
seventy five cents per Rod. the whole distance to the Roxbury 
line being One hundred and Sixty Rods. 

1S51— March 7. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legallj' warned and Assembled — 

Dea. John Robinson was chosen moderator — 

O Wliyte Town Clk & sworn 

John Robinson James Leeds Jolin Hayden Selectmen & 
Assessors 

Oliver AVhyte Town treasurer 

/ 



578 

Doct. Pierce Selectmen Dea E. Corey Gen'l School Committee 

Reubiu Hunting N. District Joseph White Middle Tho Tilden 
South Prudential School committee 

Geo W, Stearns Elisha Stone surveyors of wood &c. 

Caleb Craft Caleb Clark fence Viewers 

Dan'l Pierce Cha Stearns field drivers 

Cha Stearns E Corey Junr Dan'l Pierce Tythingmen 

Abel B. Shaw, pound Keeper 

James Robinson Hogreave 

Whyte elk of Market 

Doct Wild J. Hayden Ebeu'r Heath committee on Town 
accounts 

Elisha Stone Constable 

John Bullard had forty five Votes for Count}^ Treasurer 

Enos Ford had forty Votes for County Register 

Voted that the Report of the Committee which were chosen in 
November to digest a plan for the collection of Taxes be accepted 
H^which is entered in this Book, after March Meeting of 1833 — 

Voted that Cattle belonging to the Town shall not run at at 

large within the Town without a Keeper and that Cattle belonging 

to other Towns shall not run at large without a permit from 

the Selectmen 

Whyte Town Clk 

1831 April 4. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
Legally warned and assembled for the choice of Governor Lieut. 
Gov'r Senators & Councillors. 

For Governor His Excellency Levi Lincoln had Sixty threes 
Votes 

Hon Marcus Morton had five Votes 

For Lieut. Gov'r The Hon Tho. L Winthrop had Sixty three ! 
Votes 

Hon Nathan Willis had five Votes 






579 

For Senators (t Councillors 
Hon John Endicott had forty seven A'otes 
" Sam'l r. Loiul luul forty four Votes 
" Lewis Fisher had forty four N'utes 
" Christo Webb had nineteen 
" John Baily had nineteen 
" Moses Thatcher had nineteen Votes 
" Seth Boyden had three & 
" Royal Turner had three Votes 
Dca John Robinson was then chosen Moderator 
Voted to Raize live hundred dollars for highways to be worked 
out in the Usual manner 

Geo Whiting 1 North Sam'l Craft 2. B. B. Davis 3. C Clark 4 
Eben'r Heath 1 middle Dan'l Pierce 2. Wm. Ackers 3 Caleb 
Craft 1 South Cha Tappau 2, Surveyors of IIighwa3s 

Voted that the Town continue the practice as heretofore of 
warning our Town meetings b}' having printed notifications left at 
the house of each of the Inhabitants which shall mention the time 
and place and objects of such meeting and that the Selectnipn 
issue their warrant accordingly 

Voted that the Town treasurer be authorized and directed to 
pay Fifty dollars to the Treasurer of the Norfolk Engine for the 
purchase of Hose & Carriage 

Voted that the Ma^- meeting be post poned from the first 
Monday to the Eleventh da}- of Ma^- for the present 
year — 

AVhvte Town Clk 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline for the choice of 
Representative to the General Court and to take the yea's and 
nay's in the proposed Amendment of the Constitution assembled 
on 11th May 1831, and also to hear the Report of their Commit- 



580 

tees, and appropriate Money for the expenses of the Town the 
Current year 

For Representative, Dea John Robinson had Thirty Votes 

Dea Joshua C. Clark had thirteen "Votes 
Mr Augustus Aspinwall had Three Votes 

For the amendment of the Constitution there appeared nineteen 
Votes — against the amendment twenty one Votes — 

Dea John Robinson was then cliosen moderator. 

Voted that the Report of the Committee be accepted 

Voted that the Town Raize Four thousand dollars for the 
expense of the Town the current year — 

Voted that one hundred dollars be paid Doct. Pierce's singing ' 
societ}^ 

Voted that a committee of three persons be chosen to make a 
report on the Bills exhibited against the Town for opening the 
Roads through the Snow the last winter, that it consist of Mr 
Benjamin Goddard the Hon Richard Sullivan and Deacon Elijah 
Corey, and that they make their Report at the meeting in Novem- 
ber next 

O Whyte Town Clk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 
and assembled for the choice of Governor Lieut. Gov'r Senators 
and Councillors and Representative to the General Court on the 
14th day of November 1831, did there give in the following Votes 

For Governor. 
His Excellency Levi Lincoln had Fifty Six Votes. 
Hon. Samuel Lathrop had eighteen Votes. 
Hon. Marcus Morton had seven Votes. 

For Lieut. Governor. 
Hon. Tho. L. "Winthrop had Seventy four Votes 
" John Mills had seven Votes 



5S1 

For Senators & Councillors 
Hon John Endicott had Sixty lour Votes 
" Samuel P. Loud had Fifty Seven 
" Joseph Ilawes had Sixty four 
" Christo Webb had Eighteen 
" John Baily had Eighteen 
" Moses Thatcher had Eighteen and 
" Henry Gardner had Eight Votes. 
A vote was then taken for Representative to the Gonoral Court. 
But making no choice — A motion was made and carried that we 
send no Representative the present 3car. 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator, and tlic 
Jur}- box renewed with the following names 

Joseph White Dan'l fierce Cha Stearns Juu'r Moses Jones 
Josopli Goddard Marshal Stearns David Coolidge Abijali AV. 
Goddard Geo W. Stearns Nath'l Murdock Enos AVithington Tho. 
W. Sumner Benjamin Goddard Charles Stearns sen'r Timothy 
Corey Otis AVithington Sam'l Craft Tho Griggs Thomas AVhit- 
marsli Joshua C. Clark James Robinson August. Aspinwall, 
Eben'r Heath Eben'r Richards Jun'r Elijah Corc^- Sen'r Reubin 
Hunting Tho. Tildcn 

O Whyte Town Clk 

At a Special meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally 
warned and assembled at the Town Hall December 19th 1831, 
to see what the Town will do respecting the petition of Thad- 
deus Jackson and others for a Road in the south part of the 
Town — 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator when it was — 
A'oted that a Committee of Five be chosen to attend to said 
Petition, to examine the premises and to Report at an adjourn- 
ment of tliis meeting their opinion upon the subject — tiiat tliis 
Committee consist of 
74 



582 

Mr. Benjamin Goddard Thomas Tilden Samuel Craft EbenezerJ 
Heath and Tho W. Sumner — 

then adjourned till Friday next at 2 O Clock P. M. 

December 23d 1831. At an adjourned meeting on Friday the 
Town 

Voted that the Report of the committee appointed to examini 
the Premises &c Accepted and that the same persons be a Com] 
mittee to meet the County Commissioners at the time and place 
and for the purposes mentioned in the above report 

OWhyte TownClk 

1832, March 5. At a meeting of the Inhabitants legally 
warned and assembled at the Town Hall — 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator — 

O Whyte Town Clerk & sworn 

Dea John Robinson Mr John Hayden Charles Stearns Jun 
Selectmen and Assessors 

Oliver Whyte Town Treasurer & Collector 

Otis Withington 1 North Tho Griggs 2. N Sam'l C. Davis 3. 
Sam'l Philbrick 4. John Bass 1 Middle Eben'r Richards 2. Jos 
White 3. John Turpin 1 South Nath'l Murdock 2. S Surve3'ors 
of Highwaj's 

Doct Pierce Rev'd J. Warne Dea E Corey Selectmen Gen'l 
School committee 

Reubin Hunting North Dan'l Pierce Middle Thomas Tilden 
South prudential committee 

Joshua Magoon Benja F. Cutter Elisha Stone Survej'ors of! 
wood &c 

Caleb Craft Caleb Clark Fence Viewers 

Benja F. Cutter Dan'l Pierce Charles Stearns Field Drivers 

Charles Stearns Elijah Corey Jun'r Dan'l Pierce Tythingmen 

Daniel Pierce Pound Keeper 



583 

S. II. Perkins Benja. F. Cutter Cha Stearns Jun'r Ilogreaves 

Geo W. Stearns Clk of Market 

Doct. Wild Ebeu'r Ileatli Deu. E. Core}- committee on Town 
Accounts 

Elisha Stone Constable 

John Bullard received Fifty four Votes for Count}- Treasurer 

Voted That Cattle belonging to the Town shall not run at large 
without a keeper — and from other Town's they shall not run at 
large without a permit from the selectmen 

Voted To raize Five hundi'ed dollars for the Highways 

O Whyte Town Clk 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 
and Assembled the 2d da}- of April 1832, 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator. 

Voted That the taking a Valuation of the Town be postponed 

Voted That a Committee be chosen to appear before the County 
commissioners at Mr. Jameson's and oppose the petition of the 
Turnpike Corporation. 

that this Committee consist of William Guild Benjamin 

Goddard Dea Joshua C. Clark Dea Elijah Corey & Thomas W. 

Sumner 

O. White Town Clk 

1832 May llli At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legall}- warned and Assembled 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen moderator 

Voted That the report of the Committee on Town accounts bo 
Accepted 

Voted to raize Four Thousand dollars for the Expence of the 
Town the current year 

Voted the acceptance of the report of the committee appointed 
to meet the County Commissioners to make objections to its being 
given up for a counly road 



584 

Voted that the same committee chosen at april Meeting be 
authorized and empowered to accept such proposition as the 
proprietors of the Worcester Turnpike may ofler, if in their opinion 
it be for the Advantage of tlie Town of Brookline that so much 
of the Turnpike road as lies in the Town, Should be a County 
road and the offer of the Turnpilce corporation be a satisfac- 
tory indemnification for the Expense to wliich the Town must 
be subjected to keep it in Repair — 

Voted To Grant the Singing society One hundred Dollars 

O. Whyte Town Clk 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline the 12th Novem- 
ber for the purpose of giving in their Votes for Governor. Lieu- 
tenant Governor Senators & Counsellors, for Representative to 
the State Legislature, and for Electors of President and Vice 
President of the United States, when there appeared 
for Gov, Levi Lincoln Seventj^ six Votes 

Marcus Morton twent}- nine Votes 
Samuel Lathrop Ten Votes 

For Lieut. Governor, Samuel T. Armstrong Seventy nine votes ^ 
John Mills twenty nine 
Timothy Fuller nine votes 

For Senators John Endicott Seventy eight Votes 
, S. P. Loud Seventy eight 
Joseph Hawes Seventy eight 
Darius Brewer Twenty nine 
Consider Southworth Twent}' nine 
Obed Allen Twenty nine 
Christopher Webb nine 
John Baily nine 
Georo'e Hawes nine Votes 



For Representatives to State Legislature 
John Robinson had Sixty luur ^'ott's 
Bcnj Bradley had Thirty 
James Leeds seventeen 

For Electors of President and Vice President 
Charles Jackson Tho. II. Pcikins Gideon liarstow Kbcn'r 
Mosely Nathan Brooks Aaron Tufts Samuel Lee Ebcnezer Mattoon 
James Byers Henry Shaw James Richardson Cornelius C4rinnell 
Nymphas Marston Jotham Lincoln 

The above Ticket had Seventy Eight Votes 

Kovevi '12th The following Ticket had Sevent}- two Votes 
Nathan Willis Charles Ilood Ellphalet Case Eben'r Seaver 
Peter IL Pierce Wm. W. Thompson Rich'd Olney Charles Sibley 
Amos Noyes John Moriarty Phineas Allen John W Williams 
Perlc}- Barton Sam'l Stimpson 

The following Ticket had Seven Votes. 

John D. Williams Jacob Hall John Baily Joseph Rickctsou 
Wm. B. Breed Tho Payson Benja Wyman John Chatlee Asa 
Stebbins Benja Hallett Zach'r Eddy Plinj- Merrick Stephen P. 
Gardner James W. Robbins 

John Robinson was then chosen Moderator when it was 
Voted that a committee be appointed to see what alterations 
can be made in the mode of repairing Highways 

that this conmiittee consist of 
I Benjamin Goddard Thomas Griggs Augustus Aspinwall Joseph 
White & John Warren and that they Report at March meeting 
Voted that the Poll tax of engiiiemen be remitted 

O. Wliyte Town Clk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 
and assembled March 4th 1833. 
Dea John Robinson was chosen moderator 
Oliver Whyte Town Clerk 



586 

John Robinson John Thayer Cha Stearns Jun'r Selectmen & 
Assessors 

Oliver Whyte Town Treasurer & Collector 
Survej'ors of Highways 

Aug. Aspinwall 1st North C. Stearns Sen'r 2. Edward Hall 3. 
Reubin Hunting 4, Hugh M. Sanborn 1 Middle Daniel Pierce 2. 
Joseph White 3 Tho Tilden 1 South John Warren 2 — 

Doct. Pierce Rev'd Jos. Warne Dea E. Corey & Selectmen 
General School Committee 

Reubin Hunting North Jos. White Middle Tho Tilden South 
Prudential School Committee 

E Stone Joshua Magoun Survej^ors of wood & Lumber 

Caleb Craft Caleb Clark Fence viewers 

Benja F. Cutter Dan'l Pierce Charles Stearns Field Drivers 

Cha Stearns Elijah Corey Jun Dan'l Pierce Tythingmen 

John Robinson Ebeu'r Heath Dan'l Pierce Geo W. Stearns 
Charles Stearns Firewards 

Daniel Pierce — Pound keeper 

E. Richards Jr. J. W. Bass John Stearns Ste'n Jones Theo 
Murdoch, Albert A. Robinson Hogreaves 

Doct. Cha. Wild Eben'r Heath Dea Elijah Corey committee on 
Town accounts 

John Bullard had Fifty nine Vote for County Treasarer 

Elisha Stone was chosen Constable 

Voted that the Report of Committee on Highwaj's be accepted 
(as entered on the follow page) [588] 

Voted that the Assessors be Required to annex to each Sur- 
ve^'ors list so much of the above report as expresses the price 
allowed for Labor on the Highwaj^s 

Voted that Five hundred dollars be assessed on the Town the 
present year for Highwa3's 

Whereas the County Commissioners for the County of Norfolk 
contemplate laying out as a public road the Worcester Turnpike 



.587 

as far as it lies in said County \viiicli Avill impose the expense of 
keeping the same in repair upon the Town <^»f lirookline far as it 
passes in said Town — And whereas the "Worcester turnpike Cor- 
poration by tlieir directors have agreed with a committee of this 
town tliat if tlK\v would withold ()[)i>osition to the laying out 
the same the said Corporation will pay the Town the sum of Five 
hundred dollars for the purpose of repairing said IJoad and as it 
■will be necessary that the repairs should be commenced as soon as 
the means arc supplied it is therefore — Voteil that Benjamin 
Goddard eTohu Hayden and Daniel Sanderson be the surveyors to 
repair the said Road according to their best discretion and that 
the}- are hereby' authorized to draw on the Treasurer for the 
amount that shall be in his hands as Rec'd from said Corporation 
with full authority of procuring materials & labor but not to ex- 
ceed the Funds aforesaid — and that the}' make report of their 
doings at the First Town meeting after the}- have accomplished 
the object for which they are chosen, and sooner if the Town 
shall require it with an account of their Expenditures 

Voted That Cattle shall not run at large without a keeper 
Voted That a committee of seven. Viz Charles Stearns Renbin 
Hunting James Leeds Timo'y Corey Thomas Griggs Joshua C. 
Clark & John Robinson be appointed to examine the situation of 
the North School district and see if any and what alterations 
can be made to advantage and report at April meeting 

Voted that the several surveyors of Highways cause the snow 
which may block up or incumber the roads to be removed or trod- 
den down by assigning to the several persons within their limits 
their ratable proportion of days work and assigning certain days 
for disincumbering the Roads of snow or give notice thereof ac- 
cording to Law, to the end that the members of each surveyors 
district may keep open the roads within the same without charge 
to the Town. 



588 

Report of Committee on Highways. 

The committee appointed at the Towu meeting of November 
last for the purpose of Considering whether any alteration can be 
made to improve the mode of repairing high\va3-s in this Town 
have attended that duty and are convinced by investigation that 
an alteration may be made that will be beneficial to the Town 

In the first place they would express their Views in regard to 
the expedienc}^ of Iceeping our roads good 

We believe that money judiciously applied in making good roads 
and keeping them in good repair would be very amply repaid at 
any expence it would cost, more especial!}^ in this Town, as the 
Farmer here requires so mucli more use of Ihem than those remote 
from the City — Here we have dailj- intercourse with the City, 
the receipt of the produce of our farms to be carried to the marlvet 
is in many cases as much greater than that from the farms at a 
distance as one hundred to one, and the weight of the manure 
necessary to be transported over the roads for our farming oppera- 
tions is still more, and added to those whose necessary constant 
intercourse with the city with light carriages are considerations to 
show the great advantage that would accrue to us as an agricultu- 
ral community to keep our roads in good repair at all times — 

And it is believed that those who may use them only with light 
carriages, tho they really w^ear them but little will cheerfully pay 
their proportion of the expense for the pleasure the^^ would enjoy 

— And should any of the Inhabitants be desirous of selling 
their estates, what can they add to allure the attention of pur- 
chasers better than an habitual attention to the roads — Other 
towns in this vicinity are availing themselves of these advantages 

— We see Roxbury, Dorchester, Cambridge all attending to their 
interests by greatly improving their roads, and we must suffer as 
they rise if we keep behind them — It is therefore manifest 
to your committee that the interests of this town requires a more 
vigorous attention to this subject, our roads not near so good as 



589 

they ought to he, ami as it wouhl ho for our interest to have them, 
arising partly for Ihr want of more Lahuur and partly froui a mis- 
application of the Tax — Our present system has man}' defects — 
First the dividing of the Town into districts is seldom satisfactory'' 
to all, some will think the}- have not their share of the tax, others 
the sections being small that they have not suital)le men for sur- 
veyors — secondly' the forced manner by which surveyors are 
appointed is often very repulsive to the incumbent as it imposes 
on him a task that he feels (as he frequentl}- is) incompetent to 
perform, the consequence is that he is desirous of getting rid of 
the Business as soon as possible, he calls for the Labour and 
works out the tax in about two days leaving the road afterwards 
to take care of itself heavy rains afterward frequently till the water 
courses, the water breaks over the road and washes in half an 
hour more than can be repaired without many days labour, the 
road thus gullied and the loose stones are left to stumble over till 
another 3ear 

Again the manner in which our road tax is made payable Viz. 
allowing it to be paid in Labour at $1.50 for 10 hours for a man, 
the same for a j'oke of Oxen cart and Tools when One dollar will 
produce the same labour is altogether fallacious and if opperating 
in any way but to cheat the roads, it is to cheat individuals, for if 
l.oO pr. day is taken from any one ignorant of the rule while 
another in fact pays but one dollar it is manifestly unjust — but 
the stratagem if it may be so called is generally discovered and 
men are hired to work oiit the tax and those who will do it for the 
least will be sent and it will be found generalh-. that the cheapest 
are not the best — To remedy all these defects your commit- 
tee think that an entire change should be made by making the 
Tax payable in money and placing it in the hands of commission- 
ers to be expended at their discretion, such a plan well executed 
would undoubtedly give us the best roads for the least expence 

But in the execution of such a plan would the success entirely 
76 



590 

depend — they therefore do not now see the way clear to propose! 
an entire alteration — but they do recommend that the Town so 
far t;hange the mode heretofore practised upon as to make the 
tax payable to the surve3'or in money or in Labour at one doUarj 
for ten hours labour for a Man and the same for a yoke of Oxen] 
cart and Tools — by this mode man^^ who haA'e no Team or per-J 
haps no man, would pay the money, which will enable the Sur- 
ve^-or to perform his dut^' to much grea'ter advantage he can retain! 
the money to expend from time to time in Repairing water courses! 
picking up loose stones &c &c A few daj^s labour after the prin- 
cipal part of the work is done if applied at proper times, would in^ 
the opinion of your committee save much expence and keep the 
road in much better order 

But with this amendment your committee are aware that much 
very much must depend upon the good judgment and fidelity of 
the Surveyors (of which considering the interest we all hold in 
having good roads) it is to be hoped that each of us who may be 
called to that office will be duly impress'd and that we shall (in 
good feeling) Vie with each other who shall perform best. 

Benj. Goddard Joseph White John Warren Thomas Griggs. 

Voted That the taxes hereafter be assessed for repairs of the 
Highwaj'S be payable in Labour at the rate of One dollar for ten 
hours for the labour of a Man with necessary tools and the same 
for a yoke of oxen cart & tools whenever said labour is called for 
by the Surveyor or in monc}' on Demand at the option of the 
Taxed. And that the several surveyors be swoni according to 
law, And that they be required to deposit their accounts with the 
Town Clerk to be examined and passed by the Committee on 
accounts and pa}- the ballance (if any remaining in their hands) 
to the Town Treasurer. 

Voted That the Assessors be required to annex a cop}' of the 
preceeding Vote to the several lists of Taxes which they shall com- 
mit to the surveyors for their guide 



591 

Report on Collkctino Taxks lH;n 

The committee api)ointed at the Town Meeting hokl on the 
first da}- of November last to digest a pUin for the collection of 
Taxes have considered the subject and bog leave to Report That 
for some j-ears past there appears to have been a disposition 
among the Inhabitants of many of the Towns in tlie Common- 
wealth to adopt some improvements in the mode of collecting 
taxes, which should at once be more simple and more economical, 
and probably the Law passed in February 18 IG, empowing Towns 
to make their Treasurer the Collector had its origin in this state 
of the Public mind. 

The advantage to the People of paying over immediately to the 
Officer Avho has hitherto received the same monies indirecth' and 
after considerable dela}- is obvious. It will enable him as Treas- 
urer to meet the demands u[)ou the Town with punctuality' without 
the inconvenience trouble and expense of borrowing as has some- 
times been the case heretofore, and he can afford to collect the 
Taxes cheaper than an}' other person it ma}' also occassionally be 
a convenience to some of the inliabitanls who may have accounts 
against the Town which have been passed, to have these and their 
Taxes settled at the same time with the Treasurer. The Com- 
mittee therefore recommend for adoption tlie following Votes, Viz 

1st Voted that the Town treasurer be ex oflicio the collector 
of taxes and that one and a quarter p cent upon the actual col- 
lection be allowed him as a compensation for his own services and 
those of any deputy he may think proper to appoint — That he be 
authorized to appoint a Deputy, — and that the Treasurer as Col- 
lector and also the Deputy Collector shall give Bonds respectively 
to the Town for the faithful performance of their Respective duties 
under such penalties and with such surities as shall be satisfactory 
to the Selectmen. 

■2d. Voted that the single poll taxes be payaltle on the tentli 
thiy ol' June and all olliers Taxes on the first day of January 



592 

3d. Voted That the Taxes be assessed and a List thereof put 
into the hands of the Treasurer as Collector on or before the first 
day of June, and that having provided printed bills at the expense 
of the Town, he immediately make out and send to each inhabi- 
tant and Non Resident his Tax bill which said Bill shall specify 
as follows 

1st. The State, Count}^, Town and Parish tax. 

2d. The daj's and hours and the place when the Collector will 
attend to Receive payment the said days to be between the 20th 
December and first of January inclusive 

3d. A statement in particular of the course pointed out by Law 
against delinquents 

The Committee say nothing above of any abatements or allow- 
ance such as it has been usual to make on payment of a Tax bill 
on or before the first of January they think it quite evident that 
the Town has derived no benefit from the practice, and as respects 
the Inhabitants generally that the appearance of advantage which 
it holds out is deceptive, and moreover that were there any advan- 
tage attending it the operation of such a rule in cases where non 
residents and others from Ignorance may not avail themselves of 
it, would be unjust 

It appears therefore lo j'our Committee a much more simple, 
equal and better plan to estimate only what is reall}^ wanted for 
the Town expenses without therein providing for deductions for 
prompt payment, and that it be distinctly understood by the In- 
habitants that each is to pay his part at the time fixed — all 
which is respectfully^ submitted — 

Rich'd Sullivan Benja Goddard Tho Griggs 

Brookline March 1831 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 
and assembled, for choice of Representative to Congress and other 
Business April 1st 1833. 



593 

Hon II. A. S. Dearborn Iiad Forty three Votes 
William Jack [son] Esq'r had Fifteen Votes 

l)ea. John Robinson was then chosen moderator, it was then 

Voted that the report of the Committee on the North School 
lioiisc be accei)ted — 

Voted that the sum of Eight hundred dollars be raized for the 
purpose of erecting a School House in the North District near the 
situation of the present building, to be not less than twenty five 
b}' thirt}' feet, and two stories in height and lilletl with all neces- 
sary seats and flnished in a workmanlike manner, Provided that a 
sufficient sum be raized by subscription to fmish the same, should 
the above sum be insullicient, the present House to be used so far 
as may be useful — 

Voted that the same Committee on the North School house be 
appointed to superintend the building 

Voted that the committee for repairing the turnpike road so 
called be authorizeil to draw on the Town treasurer for One hun- 
dred dollars to be laid out on said road in addition to what has 
already been apportioned for that purpose they to account for the 
same — 

Voted that John Warren, Thomas Tilden amd O. AVhyte be a 
committee to receive Col Perkins proposition for removal of the 
middle School house. 

O. Whyte Town Clk 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 
and assembled to give in their Votes for Representative to congress 
and for other Business May G. 1833. 

Hon H. A. S. Dearborn had Sixty two Votes 
Wm. Jackson Esquire Twenty one Votes 
Doct Dan'l Thurber had one Vote. 

Dea John Robinson was chosen moderator, when the commilteu 



594 

oil Town Accounts submitted their Report which was accepted, 
when it was 

Voted that Four Thousand dollars be raized for the Expenses 
of the Town the present year — 

Voted that the Town Treasurer be empowered to borrow for the 
use of the Town four hundred dollars when the School house is 
raized if called for by the building Committee — 

Voted that the removal of the middle be postponed indefi- 
nitely — 

Voted That Dea John Robinson, Benja Goddard, and Enos 
Withington be a committee to meet the Count}' Commissioners 
and oppose the petition of Josiah Newell and others for a road 
from Dorc'r to Boston through Brookline — 

Voted that the above Committee be empowered to employ 
counsel should it be thought uecessaiy — 

O Whyte Town Clk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 
and assembled for the purpose of giving in their Votes for repre- 
sentative to Congress June 10 1833. 

Hon H. A. S. Dearborn had Sixty six Votes 

William Jackson Esq'r had Thirty Votes 
Doct. Dan'l Thurber had One Vote 

O Whyte Town Clk 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legallj^ warned 
and assembled for the purpose of giving in their Votes for Repre- 
sentative to Congress August 12, 1833 — • 

Hon H. A. S. Dearborn had Sixt}' three Votes 

William Jackson Esq'r had Thirty three Votes 
Dan'l Thurber had One Vote 

O Whyte Town Clk 



5JI5 

At a Meeting of the luliabitauts of Brookline legalh* warned 
;iik1 assembled to give in their Votes lor Governor Lieut Governor 
iV Senators Representative to the state Legislature and to Con- 
moss, and also give in their Votes on the proposed amendment to 
tlie constitution of the state Nov 11th 1833 

For Governor 
John Davis Esquire had Sixty Votes 
John Quincy Adams Esc^'r hatt thirt}' one Votes 
Marcus Morton Esc^'r had thirteen Votes 

For Lieut. Governor 
Samuel T. Armstrong Esq had sixt}- six Votes 
Sam'l Lathrop Esq had Thirt}' one 
James Fowler Esq had eight Votes 

For Senators & Councillors 
John Endicott had Sixty eight Votes 
Sam'l r Loud had Sixty eight Votes 
Jos Hawes had Sixty eight Votes 
Christopher Webb had Thirty 
John Baily had Thirty 
George Ilawes had Thirty 
D. W. Fiske Eight 
B. C. Wales Eight 
John Whitney Eight 

For State Representative 
Dea John Robinson had Forty Six Votes 
James Leeds had Thirty- Eight 

For Representative to Congress — 
Hon H. A. S. Dearborn had Fort}' seven Votes 

William Jackson Esq had Forty two Votes 
Hon Rich'd Sullivan had Ten Votes 

Daniel Thurber four Votes 



596 



Votes on the Constitution 
For the Amendment there appeared Seventy one Votes 
Against the Amendment — Twelve 

O White Town Clk 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 

and assembled for the purpose of giving in their Votes for 

Representative to Congress 16th December 1833 there appeared 

for Hon H. A. S. Dearborn Thirt}^ nine 

William Jackson Twenty one 

Daniel Thurber Three 

Whyte Town Clk 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally warned 
and assembled for the purpose of giving in their Votes for Repre- 
sentative to Congress and other business 27 January 1834 
Hon H. A. S. Dearborn had forty six votes 
William Jackson Esq had twentj' eight 
Daniel Thurber three & the Hon R Sullivan three 
Dea John Robinson was then chosen moderator when the Town 
Voted That Benja Goddard, John Haj'den & E Heath be a 
committee to meet the County Commissioners at Perkin's & 
Woodwards on the 11th February and remonstrate against grant- 
ing the Prayer of the Petition of Samuel Stones and others, it 
appearing that the said petition is merely a renewal of the Petition 
of Thaddeus Jackson and others which was presented in the year 
1831, and for precisely the same object 

O. Whvte Town Clk 



March 1834 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and Assembled for the purpose of giving in their 



597 

^ otes for Representative to Congress tmd for other purposes 3 
iMurch 1834 

Hon II. A. S. Dearborn had Tliirty nine Votes 

William Jackson Esc^'r Sixty three 

Daniel Tlmrber Three 
Hon Rich Sullivan Three 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator 

Oliver Whyte Town Clk & sworn 

John Robinson John Ilavdeu Cha Stearns Jun'r Selectmen & 
Assessors 

Oliver Whyte Treasurer & Collector 

Surve3'ors of Highways Augustus Aspinwall 1 Noi'th Marshal 
Stearns 2 North James Leeds 3 North John II. Pierce 4 North 
Ebeu'r Heath 1 middle Eben Richards Jun. 2 middle Dan'l 
Sanderson 3 middle Tho M. Woodward 1 South John H Wilkins 
2. Do. 

Doct John Pierce Rev Jos Warne Dea Elijah Corey & Select- 
men Gen'l School Committee 

Reubin Hunting North Joseph White Middle Tho Tilden South 
prudential committee 

Elisha Stone Joshua Magoon Survej'ors of wood &c 

Caleb Craft Caleb Clark. Fence Viewers 

Dan'l Pierce Bonja F. Cutter Field Drivers 

C. Stearns Jun E Corey Jun Daniel Pierce Tythingraen 

John Robinson Joshua C Clark Daniel Pierce Geo. W. Stearns 
Charles Stearns Firewards 

Elizur Ilolj-oke, pound keeper 

Simon Clifford Caleb Craft Jun'r Caleb Clark Ilogreaves 

Doct Cha Wild Dea. Corey Mr Ebeu'r Heath committee on 
Town accounts- 

John Bullard had fifty eight Votes John Guild liad Ten Votes 
fur county Treasurer 
70 



598 



Voted that the Town pound near Mr. Eben'r Heaths be put in 
repair immediately 

Voted that Cattle Horses or Horse kind shall not run at large 
within the limits of the Town the present j-ear with or without a 
Ivec])er 

Voted that Five hundred dollars be levied for Highway tax on 
Districts the present year 

Voted that two hundred dollars be appropriated for the Worces- 
ter turnpike, and worked out b}' the same Committee chosen last 
with the addition of Dea Daniel Pierce & Ebenezer Richards 
Jun'r 

Voted that Richard Sullivan Benjamin Goddard Deacon Elijah 
Corey and Deacon Thomas Griggs be a Committee for defining the 
Interests of the Town and first Parish and report at the adjourned 
Meeting April 7th 

Voted that Samuel Philbrick, Dea Joshua C. Clark and Daniel 
Sanderson be a committee to examine the power of the town in 
restraining Cattle from Running on the HighwaN^s and Report at 
th^ Adjourned Meeting in April 

O Whyte Town Clk 

April 1834 At an adjourned meeting April 7th 1834 
The Town gave an unanimous Vote for Daniel Sanderson as 
Selectman in room of John Haj'den declined. 

The report of the committee for defining the interests of the 
Town and first Parish was Read by Mr Sullivan and the Votes 
proposed by the committee were unanimousl}?" adopted. 

Report on Parish. 

The committee appointed to define the Interests of the Town 
and first Parish as they stand related having considered the sub- 
ject Report — That until the organization of the second religious 
society the first Parish under the existing laws was deemed to be 
a territorial Parish and as such its limits were identicle with those 



599 

nf tho Town and oaeh and ovcmt Inhabitant was liable to taxation 
"u liis poll and property real and personal for (lie support of 
Public worship — But an}- Inhabitant Ijcing a nioniber of an}' 
other religious society in another Town was entitled under a 
Law of 1811 to require that any such tax assed should be paid 
over to his own Minister — The Assessors of the T(jwn were the 
Parish Assessors the Town Clerk was also the Parish clerk, and 
the Town Treasurer the Parish Treasurer. The Parochical ex- 
penses were not paid from any fund kept apart from the funds of 
the Town, but in the estimates of the year Ministers Salary and 
other Parish Charges were classed as Items of a general estimate 
of monies required for the disbursements of the Town. On the 
5th September 1804 the Town purchased of AVilliam As[)inwall 
and Stephen Sharp the piece of land comprized within the fol- 
lowing lines Viz commencing near the AA'^enue to the Estate of 
Mr. Silas Pierce (a small Gore of land of Jacob Eustis interven- 
ing) thence up the road AV^estwardly past the meeting-house, 
Thence south westwardly and Southerly by the Town road to 
Jacob Eustis's Estate, thence by said Eustis's land eastwardly 
then Northeasterly and Northerly by a curve line to the starting 
l)oint. 

In the year 1805, the present meeting House was built and the 
entire space now lying in common round it was laid open, the 
Horse Sheds now standing on part of the same ground, were 
orrected by consent of the town at the expense of individuals, 

The Supreme Court have decided that whenever any Number of 
individuals being inhabitants of any town and belonging to 
the territorial Parish therein secede from said Parish, and form 
another religious Society within the limits of the same town, the 
property before appropriated by the town to the use of the first 
Parish shall be considered thereafter as the property of said i)arish 
and not of the Town, 

The committee according to the Principle of the above decis- 



GOO 

sion have now to point out wliat propert}- of the town appears to 
have been appropriated or may be thought now equitably as- 
signable to the said first Parish. 

First the}^ are of opinion that the land on which the meeting 
House stands, and that on which the Sheds are placed, ought to 
be considered as appropriated to the exclusive use of said 
Parish. 

Second, that the land lying open around the meeting House the 
same having always been used as a training field for the Militia 
of the Town will as an easment to the Parish should forever here- 
after lie common. 

Third as respects the Lot South of the Meeting house, as the 
same could never be encumbered with buildings without endan- 
geriijig the Meeting house from fire or obstructing the light and 
air and can never be of any worth to the town except for the 
stone and gravel, the committee therefore recommend, that said 
Lot, extending to Mr. Eustis's line be henceforward considered 
as part and portion of the common land secured to the town and 
said Parish Jointlj-, reserving to the Town however the right to 
take stone and gravel from the same at all times. 

Fourth, the land on which the Town house stands and the 
space south of said building to the sheds appears to the committee 
to be the exclusive property of the Town as also the entire Lot 
east of the same building and improved as a pasture, also a tri- 
angular piece in the crotch of the road west of the meeting House 

The onl}' other parcels of land in which the Town & Parish, as 
far as the Committee can discover have anj^ Interest or colour of 
interest together are the following 

1st the Estate called the Parsonage, of the first Parish w^hich 
was conveyed to a committee of the Town by Edward Kitchen 
Walcott and Hannah Walcott his wife by deed dated 14th day 
August 1781, and as expressed in the Language of the Deed "for 
the sole purpose and use of the Minister of the Congregational 



601 

(liiirch in said Town of Jiiooklinc, wlicicof the Kt-vM .I()Soi)li 
.Incksou is the pix'sont rastor. and liis successors in tliat olliec 
ver to tlie exclusion of all and every other dcnoniinalion that 
-:: sists at present or may in future" 

lM the lot on which the old Meeting House Stood In regard 
to this the Town past tlu- following Vote. August 21. l-SOG. 
Voted that the old meeting house be added and it hereby is added, 
to the Parsonage 

It appears further that by a Deed of Samuel White bearing 
date 5tli March 1759 the Selectmen are made trustee's of a Wood 
lot in Needham, about twenty acres which is declared in the words 
of the Deed, to be for a Wood Lot to supply the Minister or Min- 
ister's that may be settled in said town from time to time, a por- 
tion of the wood was cut and sold and the proceeds invested in a 
Note and Mortgage of one Daniel Colby, the sum $833.34 and is 
now due 

It appears further that the Deacon's of the First Parish stand 
as trustee's of one Acre of Marsh land conve3'ed to them by Wil- 
liam Aspinwall by Deed February 1st 1823, for the use of Jolni 
Pierce D D. and his successors in the Gospel ministry in the first 
congregational church in Brookline being the same that was owned 
by the Kev'd James Allen the first minister in the Town 

The committee upon a review of the facts and considerations 
above stated recommend to the Town to pass the following Votes 
as embracing all the measures which appear necessary or expedi- 
ent to be taken at present in the Premises — all which is sub- 
mitted 

li'd Sullivan Benja. Goddard Elijah Corey Thomas Griggs 
Committee 

Pakisii. 

Voted 1st As the sense of the Town that the parcel of Land 
comprized within the following Limits. Viz beginning at a point 



602 

JL 
on the County road which point ranges with the west side of the 
Town House thence by said West side of the Town House to the 
first corner front of the Horse sheds, thence by the north side of 
the first shed, to the Nortli east corner thereof — thence by th^ 
back line of the range of sheds souther!}' to where the same strikes 
the hind of Jacob Eiistis, thence b}' the boundar}^ line between 
said Eustis and the Town's land, Westwardly to the Town road — 
thence. Northerl}' or otherwise as the road runs ro the first men- 
tioned boundar}' — that the same be and shall forever hereafter 
be considered common land as between the Town and first Parish 
and lie common for mutual benefit, except the land whereon the 
Meeting house stands and the land on which the sheds about the 
same stand the former to be deemed the propert}' of the first 
Parish, and the latter the Property of the owners of the sheds 
subject however to any existing agreement between the Town and 
said owners in relation to said land, the town reserving to itself 
the right to take stone and Gravel from the hill back of the Meet- 
ing house 

Voted 2d As the sense of the Town that the land on which the 
Town House stands and the Passage waj- South of the same be- 
tween said House and Sheds and all the land Ij'ing east of said 
House and east of the sheds and east of a line which line is a con- 
tinuation of the back line of the sheds southerly to the land of 
Jacob Eustis is and the same shall hereafter be holden to be the 
exclusive property' of the town as distinct from the first Parish — 

Voted 3d That the Provisions, and declarations contained in 
the foregoing Votes, favorable to the First Parish shall not be held 
as binding on the town unless at the next meeting of said Parish 
the substance of said Votes be adopted as the sense of said Parish 
and the same be dul}' recorded in the Parish records — 

Voted 4th That the Town treasurer be and he is hereby au- 
thorized and directed to paj'- the Interest of Daniel Colby's Note 
as the same may hereafter grow due and be received the one half 



603 

lO the Treasurer of the first Parish and the other Moitj' to the 
ri(>:isurer of the Baptist society for tlie use of the Respective 
Ministers tliereof untill the further order of the Town as Trustee 

Such otlier arangenients to 1)C uiaiU) as soon as may be to insure 
to the Ministers of said Societies respective!}- the income of the 
wood lot, given for their use by Samuel White — and the Select- 
men are requested to take measures accordingl}-. 

The following report was Koad and accepted — 

Cattle. 

The committee appointed at jNIarch meeting to examin the Laws 
relative to the Power of Towns in restraining Cattle from running 
at large on the Highways made the following Report — That 
from a full examination of the Statutes of this Commonwealth it 
appears that no Liberty or right has ever been granted to the 
inhabitants of an}' Town to turn their Cattle into the Public high- 
way for the purpose of grazing, and that the existing acts author- 
izing Towns to Prohibit Cattle from going at large without a 
Keeper, evidentl}' have no allusion to their feeding in the Public 
roads but onl}- to their removal from place to place and feeding 
on common lands, For it is a Remarkable Fact that the word 
^ca7/s is not even mentioned in any of the acts in empowering 
Towns to " restrain cattle running at large " 

From some eronious impressions or mistaken apprehensions it 
appears to have been heretofore the prevailing opinion of the inhab- 
itants of this town that b}- annually passing a vote allowing no 
cattle to go at large without a keeper — Any person b}' providing 
a keeper had a right to pasture his Cattle in the Public Highways 
But on recurring to the reports of the cases tried and determined 
before the Supreme Courts of this Commonwealth, we find it has 
been there decided to have long since been a settled and estab- 
lisliod principle in common Law that the Land over which the 
Highway passes, still belongs to the original owner, his heirs or 
assigns subject to the right of ptissing — that the puVdic acquired 



604 

by the la-jnng out of the road — the Title of the Land, the free- 
hold & all the profits to he derived from it (excepting ns a pas- 
sage way) remain in the owner of the soil " he may even maintain 
trespass against the owner of Cattle turned there to feed, or for 
any injury done to the soil which is not incidental to the right of 
a passage wa3^s (Mass Eeport 16. 38) 

Your committee further find that no person is required to fence 
against Cattle feeding in the Road ; but against such only as may 
be rightfully on an adjoining close, and that cattle coming into the 
Town from adjacient towns, contrary to the vote taken on the sul)- 
ject can be lawfull}- taken up as well as those owned within the 
Town hy any individual and impounded in his private close (4th 
Pickering 258) These principles having been fully recognized 
and confirmed by our Supreme coui't there can no longer exist any 
Just reason for doubting the right possessed by the Town of Vot- 
ing an entire prohibition to our former practice of converting the 
Public roads into grazing pastures — It is therefore our united 
opinion that the Vote passed at our annual Meeting on March 3d 
Instant prohibiting Cattle from going at large at all is not only 
lawful but the best course, we could possibly pursue for the preser- 
vation of mutually good feeling and Harmony among ourselves, 
and for preventing the liabilit}^ of a constant litigation, which 
might naturallj' result from the continued practice of unlawfully 
grazing the public highway. 

Therefore let us henceforth unite in giving full support to these 
wholesome and established principles of common law, and thus 
preserve our public roads from all such incumbrances and obstruc- 
tions to a convenient and safe passage wa}'^ — and and " the rights 
of property and safety of Travellers will be greatl^^ secured " And I 
our Women can visit each other relieved from many apprehensions 
of danger and our children can attend school with greater safety 

all which is submitted in behalf of the Committee 

S. Philbrick Chairman 
Bruokliue March 20, 1834 



G05 

Voted, that Deacon Elijah Coiv}- — "William Dearborn — Joshua 
Magonii, James Leeds cV Joshua C. Clark be a committee on the 
petition of Martin JMorse and others for a Schoo^^ in the north part 
of the town, and Keport at May meetinj^' — 

O WJjyte Town Clk. 



May. At A meeting of the inhabitants of Brookline legally 
warned, and assembled Ma}- 5, 1.S31. 

Dea John Robinson was chosen moilerator 

Voted that the Report of the Committee on Town accounts be 
accepted 

Voted that the Estimate of expences for the ensuing year from 
the same Committee be accepted, and the sum of Thirt}- live hun- 
dred dollars be raized for the expences of the Town the Current 
year. 

Voted that the Report on the Petition of Martin Morse & others 
for a School in the North district near the Ship Yard be accepted. 

Voted that One hundred dollars be placed in the hands of 
Joshua INIagoun (who was chosen prudential School committee 
man) to Supply teachers for said school for One 3'ear, they fur- 
nishing their own room and fuel, all to be under the supereuteu- 
dance of the General School Committee. 

Voted that the Town treasurer be Authorized to Borrow two 
hundred dollars for the Worcester turnpike if necessar}-. 

Voted That, the Three Selectmen, and four Prudential Committee 
men, be a Committee to aportiou the funds to be raized for schools, 
to the Several School distficts as they ma^- think equitable — & 
Report at November meeting. 

Voted That the collector of Taxes for the town receive one 
quarter of one per Cent for Collecting in addition to the former 
allowance. 

O. Whyte Town Clk 
77 



GOG 

Avg 12. At a Meeting of the Inhabitauts ofBrookline legally 
AYanied and Assembled at town Hall, on the 12th August 1834* for 
the purpose of replenishing the Jurj- Box. 

Dea John Robinson was chosen Moderator, when the following 
list of names were called over and approved to be placed in the 
Jury box. 

Thomas Tilden Marshall Stearns Geo W Stearns Charles 
Stearns Jun'r Timothy Corey James Robinson Ebenezer Rich- 
ards Jun'r Otis Withington Abijah W. Goddard Joshua C. Clark 
Tho W. Sumner John Bass Elijah Corey Jun'r Caleb Craft Wm. 
Dearborn Benja B. Davis David R. Griggs John Haydeu James 
Leeds John H. Pierce Silas Pierce Sam'l Philbrick Dan'l Sander- 
son Seth Thayer Luther Thayer John Warren 

N B. this da}' a few minutes after 5 oClock P M. the Meeting 
house was struck b}' Lightening and took fire but was proveden- 
tialy saved by the few persons who attended the above meeting 

O Whyte 'i'ovvn Clk 

1834 17, October Be it remembered that on the ITtli da}- of 
October 1834 We the subscribers being authorized as the Law 
directs met and proceeded to Perambulate the boundary line be- 
tween the Towns of Roxburj- and Brookline — Viz — beginning 
at the point in the full basin where the bounds of Boston Roxbur}- 
and Brookline meet, from thence continuing the channel of Muddy 
River to the North west corner of Lemuel Fosters land to the 
stone monument marked R. B. thence to a stone Monument on 
Washington street marked 11 B. from thence to a stone marked 
R B. lying in the wall near the dividing line between the land of 
Oliver Wh3'te and Samuel Philbrick — from thence to a stone 
marked R B. Ij'ing and Confined in a Willow tree near the end of 
the wall by the edge of the swamp belonging to the Heirs of Capt 
William Wyman, from thence to a stone marked R B. lying on a 
rock in the wall between the land belono-ing to the heirs of Wil- 



GOT 

liam Wymaii and tlic heirs ol" I'liomas White, thoucc to a stone 
marked 11 B. lying in the wall by a Ruck iu Thomas Wyman's 
pasture, thence to a large stone marked R IJ. lynig in the wall or 
fence between the lands of Thomas Lee and Joseph Curtis from 
thence to a stone monument marked R B. on Perkins Street. 
Thence to a stone set iu the ground on the Hill in Capt Cookes 
land from thence to a White oak tree standing in the wall between 
the lands of Mrs White and Joseph Goddard marked R B. thence 
by said w:vll to a Stone Monument marked R B. standing in Land 
of Stephen Childs heirs, thence to a Stake and Stones standing in 
land of the late Stephen Child, thence to a mommient marked 
R B. at the corner of Alvin Loker's lane tlieuce to a stone marked 
'R B. lying on the wall on the east side of the end of late John 
Plarris's lane from thence to a stone marked R B, lying on a large 
Rock in the wall between the land of Goddard, Stearns, & Clark 
and land belonging to Charles Stearns Jun'r from thence to a 
stone Monument marked R B. at the corner of the wall between 
the late Wm. Baker and Mr. Woodward land from thence to a 
stone marked M B. lying at the bottom of the Wall, on the Wes- 
terly side of the road leading to Brookline, from thence to a large 
Stone marked N. R. B. in Weld's meadow being the Corner 
bound, between Roxb:uT Brookline and Newton all which bounda- 
ries we have agreed to the day and yeav before mentioned 

John Champnc}' Nath. S. Prentiss Isaac Davis Agents for 
Roxbur}- 

O Whyte Charles Searns Jr Agents for Brookline 

Odo. 31. We the subscribers being appointed to Perambulate 
the lines and re-establish the bounds between the Town of Newton 
and Brookline have attended that service and agree as follows 
Viz : Beginning at a Stone marked N B B. in John Kingsbury 
meadow and running from thence t© a stone marked N B on the 
corner of the wall at the end of the old lane, thence to a Stone 



G08 

marked NB. on the end of the old wall, thence to a heap of Stones 
in a bunch of Maples, about three feet from a fence one marked 
N B. Thence to a heap of Stones on a rock in Land of Eben 
Craft, one marked N B. thence to an abutment stone at the cor- 
ner of the wall in Joseph Lee's land marked N. B. Thence to a ;( 
Stone marked NB. on the wall on the highway by land of Eben ^ 
Richards thence to a Stone marked N B on the southerly side of 
"Worcester turnpike under a Chestnut tree by land of Eben'r 
Richards, thence to a stone marked NB. in the wall on the , 
Northerly side of the road near the house of A.Hyde thence 
to a Stone marked N B in the corner of the wall by Ebenezer 
Crafts land (not found) thence to a Stone marked N B. in 
the Wall near Capt. Clarks land, thence to a stone marked N B. 
in the end of the wall, near stake meadow, thence to a stone 
marked N B. in stake meadow, which bounds makes a corner, 
thence to a stone marked N B. on the wall by land of T. 
Hj'de about twelve rods from the last mentioned bound, thence 
to a stone marked N B. in the highway opposite the end of the 
wall thence to a stone in the wall on the south side of the road 
near the Saw mill marked NB. Thence to a heap of stones on a 
large rock in Caleb Crafts pasture one marked N B. thence to a 
rock in the wall marked NB by the side of the old well in land of . 
A. Jackson, thence to a White Oak tree marked N B. standing in 
the wall, thence to a large stone on the rocks, in land of Mr. 
Billings marked N B. thence to a Stone & rock marked N B. in 
Mr. Welds pasture, tlience to a stone marked R N B. under a tree 
in D. Weld's meadow which bound makes the Corner between the 
Towns of Roxbur)^ Newton and Brookline — October 31, 1834. 
Daniel Sanderson O. Whyte Agents for Brookline ■, 

Stephen W. Trowbridge Nathan Trowbridge Selectmen of 
Newton 

1834 Novem. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 



009 

\ 
legally warned and assembled tit the Town I fall on the lOtli 

Novein 1834 for the choice of Governor Lt. Governor, Senators & 

Counsellors, Representative, to Congress and State Legislature 

and for other business — Votes were Received 

for Governor 

John Davis had nint}^ five votes 
IMarcus Morton had twenty- three 
John Bail}' had tw^entj' eight 

For Leiut Governor 

Samuel T. Armstrong had nint}' five votes 
William W. Thompson had twenty three 
George Odiorne had twenty eight 

For Senators & Counsellors 

Theron Metcalf had ninty six Votes 
Allen Tillinghast had ninty five 
Elijah Vose had ninty five 
Ebenezer Seaver had twenty three 
Abel Gushing had twentj^ three 
George Holbrook had twenty three 
Christ'r Webb had twenty nine 
George Hawes had twent}' nine 
Benja. P. Williams had twenty eight 

For Representative to Congress 

William Jackson had One hundred votes 
Richard Sullivan had Six 
Daniel Thurber had Thirteen 
James Leeds had one 



610 

For Representative to State Legislature 
Deacon John Robinson had seventy Votes 
James Leeds had sixty six votes 
Tho W. Sumner had two votes 
Dan'l Thurber One vote 

Edw'd Hall three votes in consequence there 
was no choice, and a vote was passed that we send no Representa- 
tive this 3'ear. 

Deacon John Robinson was then chosen moderator when the 
Town Voted to accept the Report of the Committee for the distri- 
bution of the school fund — 

Voted that Samuel Philbrick John Hayden & Reuben Hunting 
be a committee to have the Town Hall improved bj' altering the 
seats as they think proper — 

Voted, That in future our highwa}' tax shall be received by the 
collector with other taxes, and that the Town appoint connnis- 
sioners to superintend the expenditure of said tax throughout the 
town, that our highwa}^ district be discontinued after March next 
Voted That the Selectmen be a committee to furnish a New 
Hay scale soon as they think advisable. 

Voted That the Selectmen be a Committee to meet the Select- 
men of Roxbury to know on what conditions they will surrender 
the Engine Norfolk to the Town of Brookline — 

Report of the committee for the distribution of Funds to the 
different School Districts — J 

The committee chosen at the last May meeting to look into the 
situation of the Schools in this Town have attended to that ser- 
vice and ask leave to report. 

That they find by the examination of the schools the 25th 
March 1834 — The School in the South district under the care of ' 
Mr Converse has 13 scholars, present 17 on the list. School ini 



611 

the mulcUc district under care of Moses I'.iirliMiik V,') wore present, 
..I) on the list. First North District under the care of Leonard 
S|i:iulding il were present G3 on the list, also one scIuxjI ui)der 
the care of Hannah Perry & Lucy Davis 4i) were present .").') on the 
list, whole luunbor 183. — Your committee recommend to the Town 
to dispense with a Male and emplo}' a Female Teacher in the 
s(;uth district — Fort3' eight weeks at §2.50 — 120 dollars and 
the}- further recommend the Town to Support two schools in the 
I first North district throughout the year, one female teacher 48 
weeks (® 2.50 pr week 120. also one other female teacher 32 
Weeks fa) 2.50 pr week 80$. the school to commence the first of 
april keep to the first of December, grant to the Second North 
District 100 dollars a year during the Towns pleasure, that the 
Forty six dollars saved to the Town hv the alteration in the South 
District should go to pay a female teacher in first North district 
the ensuing winter — 

John Robinson Cha Stearns Jr Dan'l Sanderson Joshua Ma- 
goun Renbin Hunting Joseph White Thomas Tilden Committee 

Brookline Novem 10. 1834 

1835. March At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legall}' warned and assembled on the 2d da^^ of March 1835. for 
the choice of Town Officers and other business 

Dea. John Robinson was chosen Moderator 

Oliver Whyte " " Town Clerk & sworn. 

John Robinson* Charles Stearns Jun'r Dan'l Sanderson Se- 
lectmen & Assessors 

Dea John Robinson having declined the acceptance of his 
appointment as Selectman &c The Town passed an unanimous 
Vote of thanks for his long and valuable services in that station 
(being Thirty five years) 

*Abijah W. Goddard was chosen instead of Dea J Robinson .is 
Selectmen & Assessor 

Oliver Whyte was chosen Treasurer & Collector 



612 

Doct. Pierce, Rev Jos Warne, Dea. Elijah Core}'^ & the Select- 
men Gen School Committee 

North District — Reuben Hunting Middle do Joseph White 
South do Tho Tilden Second North do Joshua Magoun Pruden- 
tial school Committee 

Elisha Stone Joshua Magoun Surve3'ors of Wood &c 

Caleb Craft Caleb Clark Fence viewers 

Benja Goddard, Eben Richards, Josiah Richards Tho Saverns, 
Clark Haynes, Amos Snow Stephen S C Jones, John G. Stearns, 
Geo Newell & James Wentworth — Field Drivers 

Amos Snow, & James Wentworth were Sworn 

Elijah Corey Jun'r Charles Stearns Jun'r and Daniel Pierce 
Tythingmeu 

John Robinson, Joshua C. Clark Daniel Pierce, Geo. W. 
Stearns and Charles Stearns Sen'r Fire Wards 

Doct. Charles Wild Dea Elijah Corey & Eben'r Heath. Com- 
mittee on Town Accounts 

Daniel Sanderson, John Warren, Tho Tilden, & Timothy Core^' 
Surveyors or Commissioners on Roads 

Elisha Stone, Constable & Sworn 

John Bullard had Sixt}' seven Votes for County Treasurer 

Voted. That. Dea Timothy Corey, Thomas Tilden. & Benjamin 
Goddard be a committee to nominate persons to serve as Survey- 
ors, and call upon them and make a report of such as may consent 
to Serve, at the adjournment of this meeting. 

Voted That a Committee be appointed which shall be denomi-i 
nated Commissioners on Roads with power to act as surveyorgjj 
according to Law of all the Publick roads in the Town and that 
they be entitled severally to the sum of two dollars pr Day, or at 
the same rate for parts of days they may necessarily expend in thejj 
direction and superintendance of the business. 

Voted, To choose a committee to take into consideration thj) 
expediency of an application to the commissioners on Roads for il 



013 

new Road at the South westovl}- cud of tlie Town, beginning near 
the Ilonse of Messers AVoodwjinl tSc Perkins and, ending near the 
House of Mr. Benjamin White witii instructions to exaniin the 
proposed rout, with authority to eniplo}' at the expense of the 
Town, a Surveyor and such other useful aid as nia^- l)e necessar}' 
in obtaining the length of the proposed new road, and a descrip- 
tion of Soil over wliich it would })ass. Also the cost the town 
must be at in making said road and the probable annual expense 
' in keeping it in Repair — Also to velw the alterations that are 
directed by the commissioners to be made upon the old road with 
an estimate of the cost thereof — and generally report their opin- 
" ion upon the probable eliect it w^ould be likely to have as to the 
* increase of travelling and the advantage or disadvantage such 
Travel would be to the Town — and report at the adjournment of 
this meeting — the Committee chosen for the above purpose were 
Hon Richard Sullivan. Ebenezer Heath. Isaac Thayer. Dea 
Thomas Griggs Benjamin Goddard. James Robinson Sam'l Phil- 
brick & the Selectmen 

The meeting was the adjourned to the 2;]d Instant at two 
OC'luck in the afternoon. 

At an adjourned meeting from the 2d Inst, to the 23 March. 

Dea John Robinson moderator 

Voted That the sum of Seven hundred dollars be appropriated, 
for the repair of the roads the current 3-ear. and that the Treas- 
urer be Authorized to borrow the sum if necessary reimbursable 
out of the pi'esent years tax. 

Voted That tiie-Trcasurer be authorized to pay the orders of the 
commissioners on roads, for such sums as they may choose to draw 
for from time to time for the repair of the roads, not exceeding in 
the whole the amount appropriated for that purpose, and that said 
coimnissioners present tlieir aceounts. to the .Committee on 
Accounts for examination and nliowanee. 
78 



614 

Voted That the Surve3"ors of Highwaj's be authorized to pur- 
chase a small piece of land in Newton for the use of the Town in 
repairing the Highways. 

Voted That the Highwaj' tax be paid in money and not in 
labour the current year 

Voted That Cattle Horses and Horse kind shall not run at large 
within the Town the present 3-ear — 

Voted That, the Report of the Minority of the committee on the 
proposed road at the South west part of the Town be accepted, 
provided the Commissioners will discontinue their improvement 
ordered on the Putterham road below where the New road com- 
mences. - 

Voted That a bill of Seven dollars paid b}' Mr I. Thayer to 
gentlemen who came on to make an estimate of the expense of 
Making the new road be reimbursed to him by the Town. 

1835 May. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and assembled for the choice of County Commis- 
sioners and other Town business Maj- 4. 1835 — when there ap- 
peared for. 

Samuel P. Loud Forty Votes 
Lewis Fisher twenty three votes 
William Ellis twenty three 
Seth Mann Seventeen 
Jos Hawes Eighteen 
for Special Committee 

Benja P. Williams had thirty four Votes 
Asa French twentj' one 
John C. Scamrael Seventeen 
Isaac Davis two votes — 
Dea John Robinson was then chosen Moderator — when the 
Report on Town accounts was received and accepted — 

Voted That four Thousand dollars be raized for the current 



615 

expenccs of tlio Town the present year — including the Iligliway 
Tax — 

Voted Tliat the agreement made between the Roxljur^- Select- 
men and the Selectmen of Brookline respecting the Engine (be- 
longing to both towns) be accepted. 

Voted That the Town accept the proposition of Moses Jones to 
widun the Lane adjoining his land between the Turnpike and 
Brook. 

Voted. That the subject of grant for the Engine House be left 

to the Selectmen — 

O Wliyte Town Clk 

1835. Novem 9 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 

legally warned and assembled for the purpose of giving in their 

votes for Governor Lent. Governor, Senators and counsellors, 

and for the choice of Representative to the General Court and for 

other purposes. — The Votes Received were. 

for Governor. Edward Everett had uinty votes 

IMarcus Morton twenty seven 

Sam'l T. Armstrong Ten — 

For Lent. Governor. George Hull had Seventy one votes 

William Foster Fifty two 

Senators & Counsellors Allen Tillinghast, had seventy eight 

voles 

Theron Metcalf Seventy 

Elijah Vose seventj' two — 

Benja P. Williams Fifty six 

Abel Cushing Fifty 

Eben'r Blake Fifty 

For Representative to State Legislature — 

David R. Griggs had Seventy two votes 

James Leeds had Fifty two 

Thomas Griggs One 

Thomas Tilden One 



616 



Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moderator 

And on the Proposition for taking a New Vakiation it was 

Voted that it was not necessary at Present • 

O Whyte Town Clk 



I 



1836 — February 2. The Selectmen met at the Post Office and 
filled the Certificate of Poor belonging to this Town and also the 
State Paupers, which were George Thompson aged 60 born in 
Stokely, county of Yorkshire in England came to this State in 
1802, became chargable 1st Ma}' 1835 — Account made up, till 1st 
February 183G 3'J weeks (a) 90 Cts p week 35.10 

Ann Potter 8 Years of age born in Brookline became chargable 
1st January 1831, acc't made up to 1st Feb'y from 1 Jan 1835 
396 days (a) 6 cts 23.76 

1836 March. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and Assembled on the Seventh day of March 1836 
for the choice of Town Oflficers and other business. 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator. 

Oliver Whyte Town Clerk & sworn 

Charles Stearns Jun'r, Dan'l Sanderson. A. W. Goddard 
Selectmen 

O Wliyte Town Treasurer & Collector 

Rev'd Doct. Pierce Rev'r Joseph Warne Dea John Robinson 
Dea E. Corey and the Selectmen General School Committee 

North Reubin Hunting Middle Joseph White South. Caleb 
Craft Jun'r Prudential School Committee 

Elisha Stone Surveyor of Wood & Lumber 

Caleb Craft Caleb Clark Fence veiwers 

Benja Goddard, Eben'r Richards Josiah Richards, Tho. SaA'crns, 
Clark Haynes, Amos Snow, S. S. C. Jones, J. G. Stearns & James 
Wentworth Field drivers 

Elijah Corey Jun'r Charles Stearns eTr Dan'l Pierce Tything-- 
men 



GIT 

John Robinson Jolm C. Clark Daiiirl Piorcc (leo. W. Stearns 
Charles Stearns Sen. Fire wards 

Elizur Ilolioke Pound Keeper 

Doct Charles "NViUl I)c:i Elijah Corey Ebene/cr Heath Com- 
mittee on Town Accts 

Elisha Stone Constable 

John Bnllard had Thirty one votes for Connty Tieasnrer. 

En* IS Foord had Fort}- one votes for County Register 

Voted to Raize for Repairs of Highways geneiuUy seven hun- 
dred dollars 

Voted that John llayden. Samuel Philbriek and Thomas Til- 
den be a Committee to ascertain if one Suitable man can be found 
to undertake the superentendanee and Repair of the Roads gen- 
erally thro the Town, — and Report at the adjuurnment of this 
meeting. 

Voted That the Selectmen be a Committee to Repair the Pnt- 
terham road to the acceptance of the County Commissioners 
agreeable to their return last year — and that the Selectmen be 
Authorized to draw on the Treasurer to the Amount of Repair — 
and the Treasurer is Authorized to Borrow the Money on behalf 
of the Town, till the Town shall raize the money to pay the same. 

Voted This meeting adjourned till the first monda}- in A[ml 
at three Clock P.M. 

April 4 At a meeting from the adjournment from the 7th 
March, 

The Committee Reported that no i»ersou suitable for the under- 
taking could be found to superintend the Repairs of the Roads 
generally in the Town. 

Voted that two hundred dollars of the seven hundred (voted 
at the last meeting) be assessed on the Polls and Estates as other 
Taxes, and to be apportioned b^* the Selectmen on the Turnpike or 
other Roads as they think proper. 



618 



Voted That Five liuudi-ed dollars be divided among the dis- 
tricts as formerly 

Voted That two Thirds of the work on the Highway shall be 
done before the first day of June. The remainder before 1st 
November. 

Survej'ors chosen were 
For 1st North Dea Elijah Corey 4th North Sam'l Philbrick' 

2. North David Coolidge 1 Middle Benja Bass 

3 North Seth Thayer. 2 Middle Eben Richards 

3d Middle "VYm. Ackers. 2d South John Warren 

1 South Caleb Craft Jr. 

O Whyte Town Clk 

May. 2 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook- 
line legally' warned and assembled on 2d day of ma}' 1836 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen Moderator. 

Voted to accept the Report of Committee on Accounts 

Voted to Raise Thirt}- three hundred dollars in addition to the 
two hundred already voted for the Highways at the last Meeting — 

Voted That the Selectmen with Deacon Elijah Corej^ and 
Joshua C. Clark were appointed a Committee to enquire and see 
if any improvement can be made in the support of the Poor. — & 
Report in November — 

Voted That the Selectmen with Deacon Tiinoth}' Corey be a 

Committee to surve}' the Town Lot in Needham and Report at 

November Meeting — 

O Whyte Town Clk 

1836 Nuvon We the subscribers the Mayor and Aldermen of 
the City of Boston and the Selectmen of Biookline pursuant to 
notice. — Met the third day of November A D 1836 at the place 
appointed and run the line and renewed the bound marks between 
the Cit}^ of Boston and the Town of Brookline as follows to wit — 



619 

Beginning at a stone Post marked Bo. on the easterly side raid 
Br. on the westerl}' side standing on the Boston & Roxbury 3IilI 
I (dam, westerly from tlie new filling slnices lately erreeted in said 
dam (the old Sluices referred to in the Act of 22 Febrnary 182.J 
Entitled " an Act relative to the boundary lines of tlie City of 
Boston and Town of Brookline " having been removed) thence 
running north westerly from said post at an angle of oni; hundred 
(fc fifteen degrees from the Mill dam untill it strikes the Centre of 
the Channel of Charles River, and also running from said Post 
s(nitherly at an angle of One hundred and three degrees fort}' min- 
utes until it strikes the Centrs of the Channel of Muddy River at 
a point where the Respective boundaries of Boston, Brookline and 
Koxbury meet each other, by being the same lines mentioned and 
1 1 escribed in the above recited Act. 

In testimony whereof We have hereto set our hands the day 
and Year first Mentioned 

Sam T. Armstrong Maj-or O. Whyte 

Winslow Lewis Dan'l Sanderson 

Sam'l Greele Cha Stearns Jr 

Jos. II. Hayden A. W. Goddard 

Thomas Hunting Aldermen 

1836 JSfovem At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and assembled 14th November 1836 for the choice 
of Governor liciutenant Governor, Senators and Councillors Rep- 
resentative to Congress and to tlie State Legislature for Electors 
of President and Vice President of the United States and also to 
give in their Yea's and Xay's on the Amendment of the Consti- 
tution.— Choose a Moderator Receive Reports of committees and 
attend to other Town business — agreable to Warrant 

Voted that the Town send a Representative to the State Legis- 
lature on the second balloting. 

Deacon Thomas Grists had Sixtv Votes and was Chosen 



620 

For Electors of President and Vice President 
at large Nath'l Silsbee of Salem had Eighty three Votes 

Edward A. Newton of Pittsfleld '' " " " 

at large Seth Whitmarsh of iSekank had twenty nine votes 

Nathan Willis of Pittslield " " " " 
District No. 1 Samnel Appleton of Boston had eight}' three votes 
Caleb Edd}' of Boston had twent}' nine votes 

2 Leverett Saltonstall of Salem had Eighty three 

votes 
Robert Rantoul of Beverly had twent}' nine 

3 Benjamin Walker of Lowell had eighty- three 
Joseph Kitteridge of Andover had twenty nine 

4 Laomrai Baldwin of Charlestowu had eighty three 
Francis Tuttle of Acton had twenty nine 

5 Joseph G. Kendall of Worcester had eighty three 
Samuel Taylor of Sutton had twenty' nine 

6 Samuel Lee of Barre had eighty three 
Samuel C. Allen of Northfield had twenty nine 

7 Thomas Longly of Hawley had eighty three 
Joseph Fitch of New Marlboro had twenty nine 

8 Isaac. C. Bates of Northampton had eight}' three 
Harvey Chapen of Springfield had twentj^ nine 

9 Bezaleel Taft of Uxbridge had eighty three 
Benja P. Williams of Eoxbur}' had twenty nine 

District 10 Howard Lothrop of Easton had eight}- three votes 
Nathan C. Brownell of Westport had twenty nine 

11 Charles W. Morgan of New Bedford, had eighty 

three 
Thomas Mandell of New Bedford had twent}- nine 

12 Charles J. Holmes of Rochester had eighty three 
Jabez P. Thompson of Hallifax had twenty nine 



621 

For Governor. 
Edward Everett had seventy- five Votes 
IMarcus Morton had twenty nine 
John Davis had one. 

For Leiutenaiit (lovornor. 
George Hull had seventy eiglit Votes 
"William Foster had twent}' nine 

For Senators & Counsellors 
Thomas French had seventy eight Votes 
Walter Baker had seventy eight 
Lewis Fisher had Fifty four. 
Nathaniel Miller had twenty four 
Benja P. Williams had tweut}- nine 
Abel Gushing had twenty nine 
Ebenezer Blake had twenty nine 

On the Amendment of the Constitution There appeared, Forty 
Yea's and Thirty Six Nay's 

Representative to Congress — 
William S. Hastings had eighty two votes 
Alexander Everett had thirtj' one. 
Deacon John Robinson was then chosen Moderator 
The Reports on the State of the Poor, and the situation of the 
Wood lot at Needham were read and accepted. 

Voted, That, Deacon Elijah Corey, Charles Stearns Jr. Moses 
Jones, Samuel Philbrick, John Hayden, Joseph White Daniel 
Pierce, Thomas Tilden and John Warren be a committee to exam- 
ine the present Boundaries of the Highway Districts and make 
such altei'ation in them as the}' may think expedient and also to 
take into consideration the distribution of the Highway taxes and 
recommend such application of said Taxes as they may Judge 
proper and report at the next March meeting 

U Whyte Town Clk 
79 



622 

1837. March At a meetiug of the Inhabitants of Brookline*' 
legally warned and assembled at the Town Hall on 6th JVl archl] 
1837. ■ 

Deacon John Robinson was chosen moderator 

Oliver Whyte Town Clk & sworn 

Charles Stearns Jun'r Dan'l Sanderson A W. Goddard. Se 
lectmen & Assessors 

Oliver Whyte Collector & Treasurer 

Doct. Pierce Dea. J. Robinson Dea E. Corey & Selectmeni 
General School Committee 

R. Hunting North District Jos White Middle District Caleb 
Craft Jr South District Prudential School Committee 

Elisha Stone surveyor of wood. 

Caleb Craft Sam'l Philbriclc Fence Yeiwers 

John Robinson Joshua C. Clark Dan'l Pierce Charles Stearnsi 
James Robinson Firewards 

Joseph Frazer Pound Keeper 

Doct Charles Wild Dea Elijah Corey Mr. Eben'r Heath Com 
mitte on Town accounts 

Elisha Stone Constable 

John BuUard had Forty nine votes for County Treasurer. 

Marshall Stearns Otis Withington Sam'l Philbrick, John Bass 
Jos. White. Dan'l Pierce Geo Craft John Dustin Elijah Corey\ 
Jun'r (in Room of Jas Leeds Excused) — Field drivers 

Voted to Accept the Report of Committee on Highways — 

Voted That One Thousand dollars shall be raized for repairingi 
Highways within the Town the ensuing year and that the same' 
shall be assessed upon the Polls and estates of the Inhabitants 
residents and non residents as other Town charges are assessed 
and collected as other town taxes are collected into the towni 
treasury, and that the same shall be drawn therefrom b}' orders 
from the Selectmen on their settlement with the several sur- 
vevors 



G23 

Voted that the several Highway Surveyors, shall be required to 
^ expend before the first day of July iu repairiug the roads within 
" their several districts fill! two thirds of the ain't bf money appro- 
priated for that use, and they shall severally be authorized to 
m&ke contracts for ri-pairiiio- Hu. highways in sucli manner as ihey 
may deem most for the interest of the town — and that they shall 
severally exhibit their accounts to the selectmen for settlement. 

The Committee appointed at our Town meeting in Novem 
last for tlie purpose of examining tlie boundaries of the several 
highway districts in the Town, and making such alterations 
therein as might to them seem expedient, — and also to consider 
the propriety of apportioning to each district the money which 
may be annually raized for repairing the publick roads. — Now beg 
leave to report 

That after having had several meetings and consultations 
together they have finally agreed to recommend the following 
division of the publick roads into Districts together with such pro- 
portion of the money that may be annually raized by the Town for 
repairing Highways as shall be herein aflixed to each district 
respectively Viz — 

1st North The Cambridge road from Brighton line to James 
Holden's barn together with the cross road b}- the school house 
and the New Lane to Worcester turnpike, shall be called the First 
North district and shall be entitled to Ten pr Cent of the Money 
annually raized — 

2 N. The Brighton road from Roxbur}' line to Brighton line to- 
gether with the Cambridge road from the Brighton road to James 
Holden's barn, shall be called Second North District, and shall be 
entitled to .Seventeen pr Cent of the mone}- annually raized — 

•■!<1 N. The Road from Roxbury line by Oliver Whyt's house to 
Rev'd John Pierce's barn together with the New Lane from this 
road to "Worcester turnpike, shall be called the Third North 



624 

District and shall be entitled to Eight pr Cent of the mone}' Annu- 
all}' raized — 

1st Middle The Old Eoad from the "Worcester turnpike near 
William Acker's house up by Benjamin White's house to Wood's 
barn, together with the cross road near Pettee's barn, over the 
Worcester turnpike Northward to Newton line shall be call the 
First Middle District and shall draw nine pr Cent of the nione}' 
raized — 

2 M. The Old road westward from Woods Barn to Newton line 
shall be called Second Middle district and shall receive two pr 
Cent of the Money Annually — 

3 M. The Brighton road from Worcester turnpike by Joseph 
White's house to Brighton line shall be called Third Middle 
district and shall receive Three ^ Cent of the money An- 
nually 

1st South The South road from Roxbury line to Thomas Til- 
den's house, together with the road running northerlj' by John 
Dunn's house to the entrance of the road running to Roxbury by 
John Warren's house shall be called the First Soiith district and 
shall receive six ^ Cent of the Money Annually — 

2. S. The South road from Thomas Tilden's house to Newton 
line together with the Dedham road b}' Caleb Crafts house to 
Roxbur}^ line, shall be called Second South district and shall re- 
ceive Eight ^ Cent of the mone}" annuall}' — 

3d. S. The road beginning at Thomas H. Perkins corner tnence 
down by John Warrens house over the Pond road to Roxburj'^ line 
together witn the road from Mrs. Babcocks house down by the 
Meeting house, to Rev'd John Pierce's Barn, and from the Meet- 
ing house by Thomas Sumner's house to Worcester turnpike, shall 
be call Third South district, and shall have twelve p Cent of the 
Mone}' Anuuallj' — 

Turnpike — Western The Worcester turnpike from Newton 



625 

inc to the Brighton road near "William Ackers house shall have 
'nine p Cent — Eastern And from said Brighton road to the 
eastern end shall have sixteen p Cent of the Money Annually — 

This division of the roads into districts and apportionment of 
the ^Nloney to each division uill secure to each its due proportion 
of Repairs and if approved by the Town will require an Annual 
assessment and collection into the treasury of all mone^-'s here- 
after ap|iropriated by the Town for repairing highways in the 
same manner as other Town taxes are assessed and collected and 
which will secure the collection of highway tax on single polls 
heretofore frequently lost. — All taxes for repairing roads thus col- 
lected into the treasury must necessarih' remain there till drawn 
out by Orders from the Selectmen in favour of the several Sur- 
veyors at their settlement with the Selectmen — 

B}- the appointment of a highway surve3-or for each particular 

district we are fully persuaded this arraugment if carried into 

effect will secure the repair of the roads throughout the town more 

effectually than any other method we can now pursue. All which 

is submitted on behalf of the Committee 

Elijah Corey Chairman 
Brookline March 6. 1837. 

1st N 10 p Ct 2 N. 17. 3 do. 8 1 middle 9 2 do. 2 3 do 3 
1 South 6 2 do. 8 3 do 12 Turnpike 25r=100 p Ct. 

Surve^-ors of Highways 

Daniel Perry first North district Timothy Corey 2 North Caleb 
Clark 3 do. John Bass 1 Middle Pettes 2 do. Jos White 3 do. 
Samuel Hills 1. South Phineas Goodenow 2 do. John Warren 3 
do. Daniel Pierce Western Turnpike John Ilayden Eastern Turn- 
pike. 

Voted that The Selectmen have compensation from the town for 
their services at the rate of two dollars p Day for the time occu- 
pied by their duties — 



620 



The meeting was then adjourned till Monday 20th Inst, when 
the Town assembled and filled Vacancies in town Oflices, and — 

Voted that Eben'r Heath, John Warren, and Deacon Clark be 
a committee to Examin the road near the Confectioners and re- 
port at May Meeting — 

Ma?/ 1837 The Committee chosen at the last Town meeting 
for the purpose of examining the road between the Gravel Bank 
and Mr. Hills House in the upper pnrt of this Town take this 
opportunity to Report 

Your committee find the road for about twenty five rods in 
length to be so narrow that two teams cannot pass each other 
without Hazard — being about twelve feet wide in the travelled 
part — Your Committee recommend to widen this road eight feet 
in the bend running to a point at each end — 

Your Committee estimate the expense at about two hundred & 
fifty dollars including the cost of a Bank wall and blowing two or 
three rocks which are in the wa}' — The Committee think proper 
to inform the Town that Mr. Benjamin White will in order to cut 
of this bend entirely give the land for a new road commencing at 
the bottom of tlie Hill near the Gravel bank so called running in 
a Strait line to the front Fence of Mr. Hills house, the distance is 
about thirty two rods, the road ma}- be two & a half or three rods 
wide, provided the town will be at the expense of Moving 
the Soil on to the Old road and make a Substantial wall on each 
side of said new road. This road way may be made Solid with 
small Stones at the bottom and gravelled properly for about Ten 
dollars ^ rod. $320 Sixty four rod Wall (a) 2$ 128=448 

Eben Heath John Warren J. C. Clark Committee 

April 1837. 

Mayl. 1837. at The Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and assembled on Mondaj' the first day of May 
1837 — Dea John Robinson was chosen Moderator. 



027 

Voted to Accopt the report of tlie Committee on accounts &c 
(see next page) 

Voted that Twenty five humh'otl doUars be assessed for the ex- 
penses of the Town the Current year in addition to the Thousand 
voted at March meeting for Highways 

Voted to Accept the Report of the committee on tlie imi)rove- 
incnt of the road near xMr Benja White's & that the selectmen &, 
Mr John Warren be a committee to attend to the improvement — 
(see page opposite) 

Voted that tlie Thanks of the Town be presented to Mr. James 
Leeds for his services as School treasurer and that the Town Clerk 
should give him notice of the Same. 

Deacon Thomas Griggs was chosen school treasurer in room of 
James Leeds resigned — 

Voted that the Town received from the Treasurer and receiver 
general of this Commonwealth their portion of the surplus reve- 
nue, and comply with the several Acts passed by the Legis- 
lature on the subject — and after reading in Town meeting the 
several acts approved the 2181 March, 1st and 12 april it 
was 

Voted that the Town treasurer be authorized and he is hereby 
i-mpowered to receive of the Treasurer of this Commonwealth our 
proi)ortion of the Surplus revenue — and from time to time as 
received he is directed to deliver and pay over the same to 
llie Trustees of the School fund, who are required to loan 
the same on interest to be amply secured by Mortgage of real 
estate on a term of time not exceeding one year, and the 
said Interest shall be applied to the support of our i)ublic 
Schools. 

Voted, that the business of procuring a new Hearse be left with 
the Selectmen 

Martin Morse was chosen surveyor of Highways for the first 
North District in Room of Dan'l Perry excused 



628 

At this Meeting the Jury Box was renewed and the following 
names placed therein — by Consent of the Town. 

John Bass Silas Pierce Seth T. Tha^-er A. W. Goddard Sam'l 
Philbrick Otis Withington Dav'd R Griggs James Robinson Will'm 
Dearborn Reubiu Hunting Dan'l Sanderson Benja B. Davis Moses 
Jones Charles Stearns Jr Geo W. Stearns John H. Pierce Marshal 
Stearns 

Copy of a Certificate of Manufacturers in Brookline as Returned 
to Secretaries oliice 30th Septem 1837 — 
Number of Tanneries — - Three — 

Hides Tanned. 2500 

Value of Leather $16,000 

Number of Hand Nine 

Amount of Capital $12000 

Number pair Boots made 450 

do — Shoes — 350 

Gross Value of Boots & Shoes $2550 
Number of Males emplo3'ed — Three 

Ma?/ 1 1837 The subscribers appointed a committee to Inves- 
tigate the Towns accounts for the Year just passed have performed 
that duty and respectfully submit for yonv Consideration the 
following Statements as the result of their Examination 

In the hands of Mr Leeds their treasurer of the school fund the 
Bonds and Mortgages constituting that fund in compleat order 
with policies of insurance affording ample security and amounting 
in total to $2281.01. — with his accustomed promptness he has 
collected the whole interest of that sum for the past year 
amounting to — 136.83 

and all the arrears of Interest 12.25 

which with the balance remaining in hands 

May 1. 36 154.55 



makes the agregate for which he is account- 
able 303.63 



Ji 



629 



lie has paid at the direction and to the [303. G3 
order of the Selectmen — 102.00 



wliich leaves in his hands a balance S111.G3 

The Town treasnrcrs accounts Stand lluis — Viz — 
The whole amount of Tax committed to 

him for collection was 3614.80 

from this abatements have been made of 43.18 

Remaining Supp'd Good. 220.$ doubtful 24.90 244.90 

288.08 



leaves the Am't he lias actually collected $3326.72 

To this add. back debts arrears of Taxes 

demands in offsett &c — 201.93 

and the balance in his hands due to the 

town last audit 276.36 

478.29 



Renders him accountable to the Town for 

the Gross sum of S3805.01 

He has paid for repairs of Ilighwaj's 573.54 
County & Needham Taxes & Commiss'rs 

fees 645.52 

Engine & Repairs &c. 72.03 

Publick Education Salaries Fuel repairs &c 974.87 

Military Affairs & abatements 9.40 

Expenses of the Poor 573.65 

Town Officers levying & collecting Taxes 

Stationary &c 255.69 

3104.70 



leaves a balance due the Town 700.31 

The resources of the Town for the year ensuing will therefor be 

— Balance due from Treasurer of School fund 141 63 

Town Treasurer 700.31 

80 



630 



Available arreages of Taxes 

Due from Commonwealth & other debts 

Probable income of Hay scale 

of School Fund 



From this deduct probable demands 
will leave to defray Expenses for the ensuing 
year 



220 — 




80 — 






280 


90 


A^KJXJ 


136.83 






226.83 






1368.77 




250 — 



$1118.77 



The Pecuniary affairs of the Town are at Present in a much bet- 
ter condition than at any period for a long time past, with a Tax 
for the last 3'ear as small as for any of the six previous years the 
balance in the Treasurj^ has become greater and this notwithstand- 
ing large drafts for the alteration of highways in the upper part 
of the Town — 

Thus were it not for the new arrangment in the mode of repair- 
ing the highways the necessary tax for the year ensuing would be 
but two thirds of the Amount Annually raized for the last seven 
years, and even less than the average of those j-ears, will cover 
the sum appropriated by Vote for the repairs of Highways for the 
present year as will appear by the following estimate Viz — 
There will be required for the purposes of Education. 1050 — 
Repairs of School houses fuel &c — 200 — 

Support of the Poor. — 625 

Payment of Out Standing debts 400 

County & Needham Tax 620 

Town Officers Stationary &;c — 400 

Assessing & Collecting Taxes — 125 



3420 



631 

from this deduct baFc in Treasury income Claims «S:c. 1100 



leaves necessary for ordinary Town expenses— 2320 

To this add the sum Voted as a hiiirhwav Tax — 1000 



will make it necessary to raize 3320 

or the Gross sum of 3500 — 

the subscribers are happy to testify to the scrupulous fidelity with 
which the Pecuniar3' aflairs of the Town have been conducted by 
all concerned in their management, and while they express their 
regret that the Treasurer of the School Fund Mr James Leeds 
finds it expedient to relinquish that dut}', the}' take this oppertu- 
nity to assure their fellow Citizens that he is entitled to their 
thanks and gratitude for the faithful and prompt manner in which 
he has so long and ably conducted that department 

Charles "Wild Eben'r Heath Committee for 1837 
Brookliue May 1. 1837 

1837 Novem At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally Warned and assembled for the choice of Governor. Leiut. 
Governor, Senators & counsellors & Representative to the' State 
Legislature, The following votes were given — whole number of 
Votes for Governor was one hundred & twelve, of which 

Edward Everett had Eightj' three «&; 

Marcus Morton Twenty eight 

"William Jackson One 

For Leiut. Governor whole number One hundred & fifteen of 
which George Hull had eight}' five & 
William Foster had twenty nine 

Whole number of votes given in for Senators & Counsellors of 
which Thomas French had eighty two 
Samuel Goodrich had eighty four 
Joseph L. Richardson had eighty three 



632 

Benja P. "Williams had Thirty 

Abel Gushing Thirty & 

Alex'r II. Everett had Thirty one 

For Eepresentative to the General Court 
Deacon Thomas Griggs had sixty one votes & was chosen 

1838 March At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legally warned and Assembled on 5 March 1838 for choice of 
Town Officers and other business 

Dea John Robinson was chosen Moderator 
Oliver White Town Glk & sworn 

Gharles Stearns Jun'r Reubin Hunting John W. Bass Select- 
men and Assessors 

Artemus Newell Gollector & Treasurer 

Doct Pierce. Eev Wm. H. Shaler Dea J. Robinson Dea E 
Gore^^ and Selectmen — G-eneral school committee 

Beth T. Tha^-er North Joseph White Middle Samuel Hills 
South Districts prudential school Gommittee 

After the resignation of the Trustee's of School fund as will 
appear on the following pages. 

Gharles Stearns Jr Daniel Sanderson Abijah W. Goddard Reu- 
bin Hunting and James Robinson were chosen Trustee's of 
School Fund 

Artemas Newell & Elisha Stone, survej^ors of Wood &c 

Marshal Stearns &, George Murdock, Fence Veiwers 

Martin Morse Galeb Graft & John Dustin Field di-ivers 

John Robinson J. G. Glark Dan'l Pierce Gharles Stearns and 
James Robinson Fire wards 
Frazer pound Keeper 

Doct Wild, Dea E Gorey, and Eben'r Heath On Town ac- 
counts 

Elisha Stone, Goustable — 

John Bullard had Sixty three Votes for Gounty treasurer. 



633 

Voted that One Thousand be raized for Repairs of Highway's 
and that it be assessed on Polls & Estates of Residents & Noa 
residents and paid into the Treasnr}- and Nine hundred dollars 
be appropriated to the several districts in same manner as it was 
the last 3'ear, and one hundred dollai's be left with the Selectmen 
to apply at their discretion 

Voted, for Surveyors Martin Morse 1st North Dea Thomas 
Griggs 2. No Reubiu Hunting 3. — John Hunt 1st Middle Wm. 
Pettes 2. Dan'l Sanderson 3. Alvin Loker 1st South Tho. M. 
Wr)oduard 2. John WarronS. Dea Dau'l Peirce Western Turnpike 
John Haj'den Eastern Turnpike 

Voted. — "Whereas there are parts of the Turnpike road so 
call'd which are encroached upon b}- Fences within the lines of 
said road as located bj- the Commissioners on roads and in some 
places where the travelling part would not be essentially injured 
with proper restrictions — It is therefore Voted that the selectmen 
be directed to remove all fences and other obstructions that now 
exist or may hereafter exist within the lines aforesaid excepting 
where a railing is necessary for the security of Travellers, in those 
cases where the use of the lands between said railings and the 
lands adjoining may be of benefit to the owners of said lands, in 
such cases the Selectmen are Authorized and requested to grant 
license to said Owners to Occup}' said lands — provided they will 
enter into a written agreement to erect such a railing where it is 
not already erected and to keep the same in repair and also to 
keep in repair any railing that is already errected in such manner 
as shall be approved of by the Selectmen or their Successors from 
time to time — provided further that said agreement shall be null 
and void whenever an}- Owner aforesaid shall neglect or refuse to 
keep said railing in repair as aforesaid and in such an event the 
Selectmen are Authorized and directed to revoke said license and 
thereupon remove any fence or obstruction within the limits of 
said Road as laid out b}- the commissioners aforesaid, said license 
to be continued during the pleasure of the Town. 



II 



634 

The Trustee's of the School fund avail themselves of this oppor- 
tunity to Tender to the Town their resignation of said Office, this 
they do in consideration of their advanced ages all of them having 
arrived over three score years & ten and some of them nearer four 
score years. 

They also embrace this as a suitable oppertunity to report to 
the Town the present state of said School fuxids the amount of 
which ever since they have sustained the office of trustee's till 
within the last year has been. 2281.01. on which no deminution 
has occurred — 

During the past year there has been added by Vote of the Town 
two installments of this Town's proportion of the surplus revenue 
of the United States the first of which was 1520.73 

The second. 688.81 

To make the last an even sum they have 

received from the Treasury 11. 1& 



making 700.00 



Total amount of said fund is now Dr. $4501.74 

all of which is now on loan — secured on Mortgage of 
Real Estate as follows Viz. To Samuel Brown upon 
Note & Mortgage on House & lauds in Boston accom- 
panied with a Policy of insurance against fire 811.11 

To Edward Pierce of Dorchester note & mortgage on 
lands 525,00 

To Theophilus Dana Note & mortgage on house 
& Land in Brighton with Policy of insurance on the 
same 435.84 

To Charles Hastings to Note & mortgage on buildings 
& Land in Brighton with a Polic}^ of Insurance 304.53 

To Edward Hall Note & Mortgage on his Real Estate 
in this Town with a policy of Insurance on the buildings 204.53 



G35 

To Dea John Robinson Note & Mortgage on House 
Land &, tan Yard with policy of Insurance on the build- 
ings 1520.73 



3801.74 
To Daniel Kingsbuiy Note & Mortgage on land & 
buildings in Newton with Polic}^ of Insui-ance 700.00 



4501.74 
We have strictly attended to the Notes of the Town from time 
to time by confining the loans on Notes accompanied with mort- 
gages on Real estates and we have no doubts of the ample sulfi- 
cienc}' of all the above securities 

Joseph Goddard Ebenezer Heath John Robinson Benjamin 
Goddard "William Ackers Trustee's of the Brookline School 
fund 

Brookline March 1838. 

Voted to accept the report of the Trustee's of the school fund 
and that it be recorded and placed on file 

Voted that In future the Trustee's of the school fund be request- 
ed to report Annually at the Meeting for the examination of the 
Town's Accounts the amount of said funds to whom loaned with 
the securities taken for the same — 

At a meeting in Brookline November 1836 the Selectmen were 
appointed a committee to make sale of the Wood on land in Need- 
ham known by the name of the Brookline Wood lot, have attended 
to that duty and ask leave to Report. 

Your committee were of the opinion that the best method of 
disposing of the Wood was to sell it at Auction Accordingl}- we 
agreed with Mr Ware the auctioneer (in that part of Needham) 
to divide the wood into Lots to suit purchasers 



i 



636 

It was divided into about one hundred and fift}^ lots and sold at 
Publick Auction, Condition of sale Six months credit with ap- 
proved notes. Interest after ninty days 

The actual amount of the Sale was — 8G9.25 

The anctioners fee's for selling collecting &c 

^ agreement 40. 

Due the Town after deducting charges of Sale 829.25 

Received in Cash as proceeds of Wood lot principle & Interest 
up to January 1. 1838 when Settlement was made with Auc- 
tioneer 7G7.38 

also one Note not collected & doubtful 70.75 

with Interest on the same for one year 4.24 

74.99 

Available to the Town as proceeds from 
the Needham Wood lot principle and In- 
terest up to March 1st of the present 
month 794.88 

besides the doubtful note of 74.99 

all which we humbly submit 

In behalf of the Committee — D. Sanderson 
Voted that the Proceeds shall be equally divided between the 
two parishes. 

Report of the Committee on Guide Boards 
The law requires that the Selectmen shall report to the Inhabi- 
tants of all the places in which guide posts are erected and Main- 
tained within the Town — and of all places at which in Opinion of 
the Selectmen they ought to be errected and maintained — 1st by 
Mr. Newell directing to Brighton 2 by Baptist Meeting house 1 to 
Brighton 1 to Cambridge 1 b}^ Charles Steam's to Cambridge 2 
by Mr. Ackers, 1 to Brighton 1 to Dedham 1 by Colo Perkins to 
Dedham 1 by Mr Whitmarsh's Corner to Dedham, 1 by Sam'l 
Hills to Dedham 2 by Mr Goodenough 1 to Dedham 1 to Newton 



(i37 

The above are whore arc now crrccted and maintained — The 
following are where the Selectmen recommend to be crrected, 
Pettos, 1 post 2 signs 1 to Newton Centre 1 to Newton upper 
Fulls, Mrs Babcock 1 post 2 signs, 1 to Dcdliam 1 to Jamacia 
plains, 1 at Mr Newells to Worcester 1 at Dr. Pierces Meetin'y 
house to Jamacia plain, 1 at Whitmarsh's corner to Brighton 1 at 
C olo Perkins to Brighton 

il/arc/i 12th. 1838. The Selectmen met at the Post OlHce and 
made out a List of Paupers — Number relieved Ten. of which there 
had Legal settlement in this Town eight State Paupers Two — 
Made dependent b}' intemperence seven 

Total amount of supporting & relieving the Poor Five hun- 
dred nintv four dollars & ^^^j average -weekly cost One dollar j^^ 

Receivable from State Treasury- towards support of State Pau- 
pers. Fort}- dollars ■y\s% 

1838 Ajyril 2. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline 
legalh" warned and assembled on the Second da}- of April 1838 
for the purpose of giving in their Votes for County Commis- 
sioners, which being sorted and Counted there appeared 

for Samuel P. Loud Sevent}' seven votes 

Seth Mann Seventy seven 

Joseph Hawes Seventy seven 

Hon James Richardson had thirty six votes 

Lewis Fisher Thirty six 

John Ruggles Thirty six . 

for Special Commissioners — 

Benjamin P. Williams had seventy five 

John C. Scammel seventy seven 

Luther Ellis two. 

Hon Wm. Ellis had Thirty six 

& Bavid BUinchard Esq Thirty six 

O Whyte Town Clk 
81 



I 



APPENDIX. 



[This matter is found interspersed in the first book of the Records, mainly in 
connection with the births, deaths and marriages.] 

In tlie year 101)8 the Select men of Koxburv with the Deacons 
being a coniinite choson bj- the Town of Kcjxbiiry for seating i)eo- 
ple in the meting House they sent to tlie Inlialiitants of Mniidy- 
river to request of thcni to send sum Men to set witli them selves 
In sd commitie to Act lor and in behalf of the rest of the Inhabi- 
tants in that Respect upon which motion the Inhabitants of ]\Iud- 
dyriver being notified did convean to gether to consider of this 
matter and cam to this result that they would chuse by voate 
three men and send to assist In inanagin the matter aforesaid, 
the persons chosen Avere Lent. Thomas (iardner. Sarg't Benjamin 
AVhile & John Winchester who met and >at with them at time and 
place appointed at which time it was demanded what Right and 
previledg the Town of Roxbury did aprehend that the Inhabitants 
of Muddyriver ought to injoy in sd JMetmg-house and it was 
Granted they ought to have a fifth part and aceordini:ly to defrey 
one liftli pait of the cxpens & charge that did aiise for Rei)airing 
sd INIetinghouse. at which place namt-ly at Mr. John Rugglses 
house at ye Flower-de-luce in Roxbury upon the 21 of Fel>ruary 
lu the year 16'Jy thes three men chosen as a foresaid liy the Inhab- 
itants ot Muddyriver did on behalf of the Rest of the Inliabitants 
defray tlie fifth part of all past and present charges their part 
amounting to six pound & four shilings 

A Record uf the Boundaryies of the Line. Between Cambridge 
& Bruoklin. cV between Newtown and Brooklin. Boston April 17th 
170.0. This Day being appointed for tlie R-mning the Line Be- 
tween Boston Old Cainlirjdge c^ >sewtown Home to Roxbury Line. 
"We whoes Names are under written did perform the same. 
'Bound Afdiks upon Cambridge Line 

1 Mark at Widdow Gates's Farm next ihe Sea and so alonjr the 
Brook betwixt Danforth and Sewall (2) A Stump with Sti.nes 
alK)ut it betwixt Danforths and Sewalls Farms (3) To a Reil Oake 
marked R C between Danforth & D(>votion (4) To a Grey Oake 
between Danforth and the Common Land of Boston (.'>) A White 
Oake and a Waliiutt. (G) A White Oake (7) A Red Oake be- 
tween Danforth ».*L- Adams. (S) A Red Oake Stumj) at the Cor- 
ner of Streeters Orchard and a White Oake Stumii with a heap of 



640 

Stones on the Edge of a Rock (9) Two White Oakes In I Win- 
chesters Land One cutt down added Stones to t^d Stump A Stump 
and Stones (11) A. walnutt Stnin[) wiih heap of Stones in Fence 
omitted (12) A White Oake between Winchester and Dana 

(13) A Walnutt Tree between Sewalls Ilogscoat and Gardner 

(14) Three Cliesnutts growing out ol one Root between Sewall. 
and Pelham (15) A Ciiesnutt Tree (16) A White Oake A 
Great Wahiutt Tree 

^ Ambulators for Boston Dan'l Oliver Elias Heath Sam'l 
Sewall jun'r Rosamon Drew Thorn's Stedraan jun'r John Win- 
chester jun'r 

For Cambridge Daniel Dana Downing Champney 

Bound Marks ujjon Neivtoivn Line 

1 A Heap of Stones at Cambridge corner hetwixt Cambridge 
and JS^ewtown (2) A Walnutt Tree at Sewalls Corner (4) A 
Heap of Stones (5) A Black Oake (6) A Maple (7) A white 
Oake 

(8) A white Oake (9) A Black Ash (10) A Heap of Stones, 
in High wa}' (11) A white Oake (12) A Black Oake Markd 
CC. (13) A Red Oake (14) A white Oake (15) A Maple 
(16) A Black and White Oake Line running betwixt (17) A 
Gray Oake Marked B C. (18) A White Oake (19) A White 
Oake betwixt W. S. (20) A Heap of Stones upon a Stump." (21) 
A Heap of Stones (22) A Heap of Stones on the Island before 
3'ou come to Stake Meadow. (23) The corner A stake and Heap 
of Stones in Stake Meadow. (24) A Wild Cherry Tree with heap 
of Stones at the turning Line, (25) A Heap of Stones with a 
black Oak by it (26) A Red Oak (27) A Black Oak (28) A 
Heap of Stones. (29) A White Oake. (30) A Little heap of 
Stones and a Stake at the Corner of Tings and Hammonds Farm 
(33) Four Heaps of Stones. (34) A Black Oake (35) A Little 
Maple Dying Marked a Red Oake half foot in N Line. (36) A 
Heap of Stones at the Root of a Black Oake. (37) A Red Oake 
(38) A Black Oake against DrewS Saw mill (39) An Ulm. (40) 
A Walnutt & a White Oake. (41) A White Oake (42) A Great 
White Oake Marked B. C by Homans (43) A Hemlock upon an 
Island at the other side of the Swamp having an Horn lime bj^ it. 
(44) A White Oake. (45) A Heap of Stones. (46) A Heap of 
Stones upon a Rock (47) A Heap of Stones (48)* A White Oake. 
(49) A Walnutt. (50) A Heap of Stones (51) A White Oake 
(52) A Little Birch (53) A White Oake (54) A white Oake 
(55) A Heap of Stones (56) A White Oake (57) A Heap of 
Stones at the End of Newtown Line In Erazmus Drewes Meadow 

^ Ambulators for Boston Samuel Sewall jun'r Thomas Stedman 
jun'r John Winchester jun'r Rosaman Drew Boston gentlemen 
being Returned Home 

For Newtown Nath'i Ilealy Eleaz'r Hides Thom's Hammond 



641 

Brooklin April 13 1708. Iviin tho Line Ik'tween Cambridge New- 
town and IJrookline 

p Auibnlalurs toy cambridsjc Sam'l Oldham Nath'l Sparhawki; 
observe 3 Mark Ked Oake Fell putt Stones upon tiie Stnnip 

IQ Ambulators for Brooklin Julin Uruce IJenJ'on White jiin'r 
Amos (Jatcs Samuel Scwall 

On Cambridge Line in the IG Maik Listed ol" a ^Valmltt Sett 
down Three Years agoe Icniiid a white Oake and iS'ow maiked 
him, which was all the Alteration or Error in the Ibrnu-r Running 
which we found 

p Aud)ulators for Newtown John Greenwood For Brooklin as 
is inserted on the other side 

Brooklin April liUh 1711 jp Ambulators ibr Cambridge Sam- 
uvl Oldham John Kobbins 

p Ambulators for Newtown Thomas Chamberliu Nath d Ham- 
mond 

For Brookline Peter Bo3'lston Samuel Sewall 

On Cambridge Line found A Heap of Stones A Small AValnutt 
I'l'voud what was inserted in the Ace of 1705 

Brooklin April 13. 1714 ^ Ambulators for Cambridge Samuel 
Oklham Dan'l Dana 

p ambulators fur Newtown Thom's Cliamberlin Thorn's Ham- 
mond jiin'r 

For Brooklin Peter Boylstou Will'm Gleason Samuel Sewall 

On Cambridge Line Observe In the 4 Mark Insted of Danforth 
and eonnnon Land. Now between Thorns Phyi)ps F^irm (t John 
AViuchester jun'i' 5 Mark A White Oake a walnutt l)y it The 
walnutt being cutt down putt Stones to the Stump of it 

On Newtown Line 

■2'J mark A white Oake being cutt down putt some Stones to the 
Stump of it. 3.'»th Mark A little ]Mai)le Dying found it now Dead 
and putt Stones to it having a Red Oake Marked by it in N line. 
49 Mark A Great White Oake B C By llomans Now Negro 
Symons Found it Fell and so putt Stones upon Stump 

This as al)ovc is all the Ditference found in Running April 13. 
1714 

Brooklvn April irithl717 >p Ambulators for Cambridge Nath'll 
Sparhawiv Nath'll Oliver 

p Aml)ulators for Newtown Nath'll Hammond Isaac Ilam- 
iiiond 

For Brooklyn John Seaver William Gleason 

A Record of Running the Line between Cambridge «fc Brook- 
lin tS: between Newtown jS. Brooklin 



642 

April 4tli 1726 ^ ambulators for Cambridge John Robbins and 
Nath Sparhawk. For Newtown Nath'l Hammond & John Hide 
For Brooklin Robt Sharp Sam'l Clark jun'r & Sam'l Sewall Re- 
newed the following marks 

Marks betwixf, Cambridge ^- Brooklin 

1 The Brook 2 Stake & Stones 3 Heap of stones Phypps & 
Eliss 4 Stump & stones 5 & 6 stump & stones 7 Red Oake 
8 A Black Oake Adams & Dana 9 Heap of stones Adams 
& Dana 10 Heap of stones B Winch'r upon Rocks 11 stump 
& stones 12th A White Oak B Winch'r 13th White Oake 14th. 
A Heap of stones loth 'I'wo Chesnutts Line between IGth 
A Heap of stones. This mark a Corner mark 

Marks Betwixt Neivtoivn ^ Brooklin 

1 A Heap of stones 2 A Walnutt Tree 3 & 4th Heap of stones. 
5tb A White Oake 6 A White Oak Stump. 7th A Black Ash 8 A 
Heap of stones. 9 stump & stones 10th Black Oake 11th Red 
oake 12th White Oake. 13 A maple Tree 14 White Oake. 15 
A gre}' oak stump 16th A White Oake b}- Hills House 17th ISth 
Heap of stunes. 19th stones 20th A small cherry' Tree with 
stones 21 A Heap of stones upon Rock 22 A Black Oak. 23 
A Heap of stones 24th A While Oak & Stum[! with stones 25th 
A Walnutt with stones 26th A stake & stones. 27 A Heap of 
stones 28th A Heap of stones 29th A Red Oak with, stones 
30th stones & black oak 31 A Black oak by saw mill 32 an Ulm 
33 A white oake. 34 A White Oake 35 Stump & stones. 36 A 
Dead Hemlock 37th A stake & stones 38th A White oak mark'd 
N B 39 Rock & stones. 40th Rock & stones 41 White oake 
N B. 42 stake & stones 43 stump & stones 44 A little Birch 
& stones. NB 45th White Oake N B 46th A Heap stones 47th 
A White Oake 48th A stake in meadow betwixt Koxbury New- 
town & Brooklin 

Brooklin April 172G Recorded these marks p S Sewall jun'r 
Town Clerk 

According to agreement we the Subscribers met at the time and 
place appointed and Run the line and Renewed the Bounds 
Between the Town of Roxbury and the 'J'own of Brookline 

Beginning at the House of Mr John Ellis in Brookline where 
was the stone mark'd R : B : 2d A heap of Stones and one marked 
R : B : in the old lane 3dly. A Stone in the Swamp Between 
Capt. White and Sam : Grigg's laud mark'd R : B : 41_y. A heap 
of Stones on an old Stump on the west Side of the wall 5thly : 
A heap of Stones on A Rock on the East Side of the wall Between 
Capt White and Nath'll Crafts land where we mark'd a A Stone 
R : B : 61y. A heap of Stones by an old Stump where we mark'd 
A small Stone R : B : 7l3'. A high Oak Stump in the wall in 



643 

Henrv Winchester's land «ly. A IIo:ip of Stones on the Top of 
the Ilill in Henry Winchester's hind with ;i sni.ill Stone niarU'd 
R : B : 9ly. An Oak Tree in the wall inark'd R : B : KHy. A stiinip 
in the Corner of tiie wall Between the land of Sam : Grillin John 
Goddard and Edward C'liild where we niark'd A Stone U: B: and 
put it Between the wall and sd Slnni}) T lly. A heap of Stom-s 
where was a walnnt Stunii* where we niark'd A. Stone R: B: in 
Edward Cliilil's (J round 121y A heap of Stone hy the wall in 
Edward Cliild's Ground where we found A stone niark'd R : B : 
131y. A heap of Stones and A Stake in the land (^f .lolin Harris 
where we niark'd a Stone R : B : 14 : A Stake and heap of Stones 
at the corner of Harrise's lane 15. A heap of Stones in Ilarri's 
lane with one Stone mark'd R : B : IG : A heap of Stones with one 
Stone niark'tl R : B : on the East Side of Harrises fence 17th. A. 
Stake and A Heap of Stones with A Stone niark'd R : B : is : A 
heap of Stones on a white Oak Stuin[) with one Stone inark'd R: 
B : IDA heap of Stones one inark'd R : B : 20 : a heap of Stones 
and A Stump in the wall A Stone mark'd R : B : 21 A Black Oak 
Tree in the wall mark'd R : B : 22 : A Stake and heap of Stones 
at the Corner of Ahraiiam Woodwards wall with A. Stone inarkM 
R : B : 23 : A heap of Stones by a white Oak Tree in Mr. Bakers 
and with a Stone niark'd R : B : 24 ■ A Stump and heap of Stones 
in the Stump niark'd R: B: 2") : A heap of Stones in the High 
wa}' against Daniel Whites wall with one Stone marked R:B: 
26 A Stake and heap of Stones in Daniel Whites meadow where 
we mark'd A Stone R : B : and N. 

Septemb'r 14th 1741 Agents for Roxbuiy Capt Joseph Weld 
Sam : Gridley for Brookline Sara : White Aspinwall 

Feb 24 170| Joseph Stedman of Brouklin Desires the Entry of 
a Hetfer coming in 3 year as the Law directs Marks Brindle 
colour with a short taile Entred p me Samuel Sewall .fun'r Town 
( lark 

January 14. 1709"^ John Druce of Brooklin having taken up 
last wetluesday Two Stray Horses Markd. one of tliera about 3 or 
t year Old being of Bay Colour Some what white about the Legs. 
No artiticial mark about Her that can be perceived. 

The otiier being a Horse Colt coming in 2 years Old A Black 
Coloiu' with a white Starr in his forehead having the Hair of his 
tail cutt nott being Dockt. No artificial mark ai)out him Entred 
j;> me Samuel Sewall jun'r The Day above sd Town Clark 

Feb 7 170 y'j. Rol)ert Harris of Brooklin Has took a Mare Ar- 
tificial Mark The Near Ear a Slitt Xattural A light Gray being 
about 3 years Old Entred p me Samuel Sewall Town Clark 

March 6. 170/iy Joseph Adams of Brooklin Has took up a 
Horse. Artificial mark a piece cutt out of his left Ear Nattural a 



644 

little Starr in his Forehead his hind foot White as far as his foot 
locks. Entred |p rne Samuel Sewall jun'r T Clark j; 

Brooklin September 4. 1711. Took up pr I Winchester Jr A 
Stray Committing Damage in his Field. Viz A Mare Colt com- 
ing in Two years of a Chesnntt Colour no other mark uattural or 
artilicial. Entred ^ me Samuel Sewall jun'r T Clark 

Brooklin Octobr 16. 1712. Touk up ]p Thomas Gardner A Stray J 
Horse Committing Damage in his Field Viz A Sorrel Morse -' 
white Face. Feett White b}^ HufF mark A Half penu}- in lelt Ear 
Entred ^ me Sam'l Sewall Town Clark 

Brooklin April 28. 1714 Took up ,p Caleb Gardner A Horse 
markd W upon the near Sholder. Having some sort of a Brand on 
his Buttock. About Six or Seven years: Being of a Brown 

(worn off") To Constable Wm. Sharp 

(worn off) Rate 

Brooklin July 11. 1714. Then Reed of Constable William Sharp 
as ip Notes Reed of him may appear. The full sum uf Eight 
Pounds Eighteen Shillings & Ten pence in part, of the Rate given 
him to Collect I sa}^ Reed <p me Samuel Sewall jun'r Town 
Trearurer 

Brooklin July 21. 1714 Then Reed of Constable William Sharp 
The Sum of Three pounds Seventeen Shillings I say Reed p me 
Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Treasurer 

Brooklin Novembr 2. 1714. Then Reed of Constable William 
Sharp. The sum of Twenty Seven pounds Six Shillings four pence 
Viz. 

In Province Bills £ 13-0-0 

In Notes to men Given -14-6-4 



I say Reed ^ me 27-6-4 

Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Treasurer 
(worn ofl[) lin. A Coppy of a Receipt 

Boston Feb'y 10th 1714 Received of Mr Wm. Sharp Constable 
of Brooklin Twenty three pounds two Shillings in pt for my master 
(worn otf) iah Allen Treasurer 

^ Jno : Gooch 
£ 23-2-0 

Recorded ^ me Samuel Sewall Town Clark Feby 11 nil- 
Brooklyn Jan 2. 1719 Took up p John Winchester A stray 
Brown Coulored Heifer Calf of the first year 

Brooklyn May 13 1723 Received of Mr. Woodward constable 
for Brooklyn the sum of Eighty pounds in full of my Psallery for 
the year one thousand seaven hundred & twenty one 

James Allin 
The fore going Record is truley compared with the original by me 

Edward White T. Clerk 



G45 

Brooklj'ii April 29 172(4) Taken ii[) damage feasant hy John 
Winchester of Brooklyn on ye 23(1 of this instant April, three 
white Slieep marked with a halfc penie nnder Cfich of yr left ears 
& a noch nnder theire right ears & fonr white lambs with no marke. 

Brooklj-n Jnly 1-tth 1724 Received of mr. Gates constable for 
Brooklin ye sum of Eighty Pound in ful of ni}- Psallery from ye 
Town Anno one thousand Seven hundred and twenty three 

James Allin 

the fore goin^ Record is trulv compared with vo original by me 

Edward VVhite T Clerk 

Brooklyn April 3 1724 We ye sub-cril»ers being ye Towns 
committ'e do in behalfe of ye Town Allow mr. .losiah VVincliester 
to keepe up two ijood & conveniant nates a cross ye hi;>hway 
which belongs to y« Town 3't runs round bysd Winchesters II(juse 
for ye space of twenty years & yt Josiah Wincliester jun : be 
Allowed to keepe up one conveniant gate at ye easteilv end of sd 
way for ye space of five years 

IIiMiry Winchester Peter Boylston Samuel White Caleb Gardner 
Robert Sharp Edward White 

Brooklyn April 10 1 724 I the subscriber do owne & Acknowledg 
that the way which runs through my land to be the Towns & 
accordingly have laid it open for ye use of sd Town for ever. 

his 

Philip X Torry 

marke 

Brooklin July 12th 1726. Found Last Night by the Revrd Mr. 
James Allen betwixt Mr Ed Whites & his house A Paper Doubled 
up with Three pounds Nineteen Shillings & some pence within the 
same 

Joliu Druce of Brooklin Jul}' 29th 1726. Took up & impounded 
These following Beasts Viz 

Three .Mare Colts coming in Two or Three years. 1 A Grey 
Roan Colt with a Black Main & Tail. 2 A Black Colt. 3 A 
Bay Sorril Colt. Tiiese Three Colts having no Artificial Marks as 
we the Apprisers do disern. Taken August 3d 1726 

.p me Samuel Sewall jun'r Town Clerk 

Swore Amos Gates & Amariah Winchester to Apprize them. 

May 16 1727 Thomas Ellis being warned out of this Town of 
Brookl3'n 

May 16 1727 Elisabeth Jeffors warned out of Brooklyn 

Brooklyn May 1728 Mr. Benjamin White Mr, Caleb Gardner 
Mr. Robert Sharp as Select men of the Town alterred the Town 
highway Leading from Samuel Newels Land to the road that 
Leads Down to Roxbur^' B}' Isaac Childes 

Running from sd Newels Land to a heap of stons and a stake 

82 



L 



640 

and from thence to a white Oak tree and from thence to a heap of 
stous and stake bj- the above sd Road the way to be two rods 
wide Samuel White (worn oft) 

Brooklyn April 29 1729 Taken n^) A brown mare by Edward 
Devotion with A brown nose and Long tail and fore white spots 
on her back feet on each side Samuel White Town Clerk 

Brooklyn June 18 1730 Taken up A bay Mare by Daniel Har- 
ris jun of Brooklyn with A baal face three White feet and a sorril 
mane with A red spot in the fiice within the White 

Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn July 20 1730 Taken up by Doc'r Joshya Gardner of 
Brooklyn A bay Mair with A brand of an A upon her near Shol- 
der and one white foot and another speck of white upon Another 
foot 

Brooklin Septem 29 1731 Taken up b}' Mr. John Winchester 
of Brooklyn (worn oft") with A brand D on his near sholder Avith 
some white on his nose and a star on his forehead and some white 
on his hind foot 

Brooklyn January 7 173^ Taken up by Cap John Winchester 
A red Cow 

Brooklyn Novem 1 1731 Taken up b}" John Woodward A red 
steer with the top of his left Ear cut of with A white face and A 
white spot on his back 

Brooklyn December 21 1732 Taken up a brown or Dark bay 
horse by Mr. Josiah Brown of this Town with some white on his 
off hind foot and a star in his forehead and both wall eyes 

Sam'll White Town Clerk 

Brooklyn May 9 1732 Nathaniel Whitmore and his famil}' 
AVarned out of this town 

May 25 1732 William Snowdon and his wife warned out of 
this Town ' 

Brooklyn June 12 1732 Taken up by Thomas Woodward a 
white and brown and white Heffer with the Top of her Right 
(the remainder worn otf) 

Brooklyn November 15 1733 Taken up b}' Joshua Child one 
Black ox with A white face Branded upon near horn J W a piece 
cut of the left Ear about six 3'ears old and one black steer com- 
ing three jecivs old with A white star on the forehead and one 
brown heffer with a white tail and rump and one black heffer with 
a bell the heffers coming four 3'ears old 

Samuel White Town Clerk 

Brooklyn July 10 1734 Taken up by John Druce of Brooklyn 



647 

Damage feasant One IMair Brite IJaj with A l)i;ui(l upon her near 
SlioUler with a blackish Mane and tail and a s|)eck of white on 
her I'orehead Samuel "White T Clerk 

Brooklyn August 7 17."U Taken up l»v .Tosiali Brown of Brook- 
lyn one horse a dark t^ray with a bi-and II upon the near Siiohler 
and E u[)on the near buttok with a white streak down his nose 
with one white foot Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn June .'5 17;34. James Slied of Koxbury in the Coiintty 
of Suffolk by A power of Attorne}- from Daniel Adams of Cam- 
bridge in the County of Middlesix has Kecjuesti'd for a high way 
to tlie Land of Daniel Adamses Commonly Called Cibbeys near 
John Winchesters jun the Select Men of Brooklyn have Accord- 
ingly proceded and laved out A way for Daniid Adams and his 
Heirs for Ever through Cap John Winchesters Land sd Adams 
piiying to Ca[) John Winchester fort}- Eight Shillings of Bills of 
Credet of this province 

the high way Begining at the Country lioad l:)y Caj) Whites 
stone wall and runing strate down to tiie brook between sd Win- 
chesters and sd Adams the way runing two rod and a half into sd 
Winchesters Land b}' the brook and from thence strate unto win- 
elicsters Stone wall and to the county road the high way to be one 
rod and half wide by the country Road and two rod and a half 
Wide down b}' the Brook about twelve rods in the Whole highway 
tlie Above sd Daniel Adams is to Enjo^' the sd highway for him- 
self and his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns for 
Ever Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn June 14 173 4 Taken up by James obrine of Brook- 
lyn two horses and one mair one Stone ir ray horse with a bell on 
his neck and some White spots on his Back and two white feet 
about six years Old one bright bay horse with black footlocks with 
a bell on his neck about seven years old. one mair of a dark col- 
ler with a brand on her near buttock with three white feet and A 
white Streek down her nose Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn ^lay the 29 1735 Taken up and Strayed one brown- 
ish Alair by Thomas Baker and John Boning of Roxbury 

Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn May Sixth 1735 Samuel Squer Warned to Depart 
out of Brooklyn by Cons Brown Samuel AVhite T Clerk 

Brooklyn August 7 1736 Goods found by Mr. Ebenezer Sargant 
-I" Brooklinc two Cotton and linning Shifts five yards of linning 
Cloth Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn August 18 173() Taken up in Damage feasant by 
DuiUy Boylston one Sorrel JNIair of about twelve years old with a 
white Lock upon her Right think Shod bi'fore 

Samuel White T Clerk 



^ 



648 

November 13 1736 Taken up b}^ Mr. Allin of Brooklyn one 
cow the marks are as followeth A brownish Cow with some 
White under her belly and some white on her tail and about twelve 
years old Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn November 10 1736 Easter Harsel Warned to Depart 
out of this Town of Brooklyn By constable Harris 

Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn February 23 173f Taken up by Abraham Nickels one 
hog of a whitish coller with one black spot on his cheek of about 
twelve or fourteen months Old Samuel White T Clerk 

This Indenture Made the fifth day of May Anno que Domini 
1737 between Daniel Adams a Resedent in Cambridge fermar and 
the One party and Nathaniel Hill of Brooklyn Husbandman on 
the Other party W^itnesseth that the sd Daniel Adams hath in 
consideration of the sum of four pounds of Good and pasable 
money of this Province of the Massachusetts Bay' in New England 
let out and doth by these Presents let out for one j'ear next after 
the Date hear of unto the sd Nathaniel Hill a certain peace of 
Meadow formerly belonging to Thomas Chamberling of Newton 
the sd meddow being and Lying in Brooklyn afore sd bounded 
Wesardly on the Land of John Hammon Easterly on the Land of 
John Druce Southerly on the Land of Abraham Woodward or How 
Ever Otherwise bounded or reputed to be bounded : and the sd 
Nathaniel Hill doth hereby promis and Engage to and With the 
sd Daniel Adams that at the Expiration of One year as Expresed 
he will pay or cause to be paid unto the sd Danel Adams four 
pounds as above mensioned as a rent for the sd meadow : and that 
he Avill at the Experation of sd term of one year as above men- 
tioned yeild and surrender the sd promisis unto him the sd Daniel 
Adams 

In Witness whereof we the sd parties have hear unto set Inter- 
changably our hands and seals the day and year first written 

Signed served and Delivered in presents of us 

Daniel Adams (seal) 
John Seaver his 

Elisabeth Seaver Nath'll X Hill (seal) 

mark 

Brooklyn December 8 1737 Taken up by John Druce of Brook- 
lyn one black hetfer coming two years Old She has Some white 
under her belly Some white on her hind leggs some white on her 
tail no artificial Mark Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn July 1737 John Seaver jun pety Jurer was excused 
August Nehemiah Davis pet}' Jurer for the superior court 
October Benjamin White jun pety Jurer for the infe court 
February Thomas Aspinwall Jurer pety for the superoer court 



649 

Joseph Adams Grand Jurv man at the same court 

January Nathaniel Seaver \)vi\ Jurer lor Inleriour court 

July Abraham AVoodwaid Grand Juryman for the year 

for february court John (ioddard pet}' Jurer 

for february court Ebenezcr Kindrick pety Jurer William Davis 
also 

June 3 John Seaver Thomas AVoodward Solomon Gardner pet}' 
Jurymen 

Brooklyn February H 1738 Taken up by El)enezer Sargant 
one young mair of About two years old a brownish mair with a 
"white speck upon her forehead Samuel White T Clerk 

September 2 1738 Saiah Goddard Daughter Widow Goddard 
Warned of this Town of Brooklyn Saniuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn Novem 28 1738 Taken up and strayed b}' William 
Ackers One White and brownish Cow of About fourteen j'cars of 
age Samuel W^hite T Clerk 

Brooklyn Novem 28 1738 Nathaniel Seaver and Peter Mam- 
mon Appointed by me to apprize one Cow Taken up by William 
Ackers who were sworne for that pur})os sd Apprizers prized sd 
Cow at ten pounds Samuel White Jus Peace 

Brookl3'n August 31 1738 Taken up in Damage feasant by 
John Seaver jun of Brooklyn one Dun horse branded upon the 
near Sholder with the Letter F and no other artificial mark 

Sam'll White T Clerk 

Brooklyn October 25. 1738 the Ministers Rate 122=33= 



the Town Rate 81=14=11 



Province Rate 51 = 11 = 11 the 
Province Rate the New tencr 

Brooklvn October 1 1739 this is the Over plus of the Town 
Rates ^ Ministers Rate 1—18=9 

Town Rate 1 lb 2 



the whole being 3=14=rll 

Brooklyn June 9 1739 Taken up in Damage fesant By John 
Seaver of this Town one Redish Brown Cow with C R upon Each 
horn and white face and White under her belly 

I^ntred l)y Samuel White Town Clerk 
Brooklyn June 1739 Amariah Winchester with his wife and 
children warned to depart out of tiie Town of Brooklyn 

Brooklyn June 1739 Mary Ilammon Widow Residing at Eben- 
ezcr Kindricks warned to Depart out of Brooklvn 

Samuel White T Clerk 



650 

Brookl}-!! Ma}^ 29 1739 Solomon Gardner and Daniel Robina 
Apprized one mair at three pounds fifteen sliillings taken up by 
Thomas Baker and John Boning of Ruxbur}' sd i)rizers being upon 
their oath at the same time Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn October 26 1739 Amn Smith Warned to Depart out 
of this Town of Brooklyn Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn November 20 1739 Taken up b.y Timothy Harris of 
Brooklyn and straid and Sorellish Mair with A white spot on her 
fore head and A white s[)Ot in her left side of About thirteen hands 
high Samuel White Town Clerk 

Brooklyn October 26 1739 Anna Smith Warned to depart out 
of Brooklin within fourteen days from (the remainder of the line 
gone) wherever she came from Viz Boston 

Brooklyn October 1 1740 the Province tax this 3'ear is £8, 6 5 
and tlie Over plus of sd Rate is 1 4 in the new tener and the over 
plus of the Min rates is £2 11= 1= and the over plus of the Town 
and county rate 2 12 total sum 8= 15 

Brooklyn July 10 1740 Taken up by James Sherlon of Brook- 
lyn one Red Cow of about Six or Seven 3-ears old Samuel white 
T Clerk 

this is the Over plus of the new tener 

province Tax . 8 

the over plus of the ministry rate 4 3 4 

the over plus of the Town rate 6 5 3 

this rate was Assesed Anno 1741 • 

Brooklyn March 23 1741 Taken up and strayed One brownish 
Mair About sixteen 3'ears old by Benjamin White jun of Brooklyn 
with A star in her forehead sd Mair being Apprized at three pounds 
five shillings Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn february 20 1741 Joseph Greely with his wife and 
family warned to depart out of Brookl3'n b}' the Cons of sd Town 

Samuel White Town Clerk 

Brooklyn IMarch 1 174 J Received of Cons Newel 4he sum of 
twenty one pound four shillings and Eight pence in part of the 
Town Rate by me Samuel White 

June 10 Received of Cons Newell twelve pound ten shillings 
and p]iglit pence in part of the town Rate by me Samuel White 

Brooklyn October 5 1742 Received of Mr. John Newel Con- 
stable the sum of thirt}" nine pounds one shilling two pence in part 
of the Town rate b}' me Samuel White 

Brookly February 10 1742 Received of Mr. Newel Cons the 
sum of twentj' nine pound three shillings and ten pence in part of 
the Town Rates 



051 

Brookl}!! February 15 174 J Received of Constable Winchester 
tlie sum of forty poun<ls in pait of the T(j\vn Hate Couiuiitod to 
liini to CoUect by uie Sainuc! While T Ticasurer 

Ibooklyu July 14 1744 INIatthew Addi-lton wiih his wife Abiall 
and there three Children Namely Josep .Jeiuslui and Abiall Warned 
to depart of IJrooklyn with in fourteen da^ys l»y Cons liol)ert Shari> 
jnn " "Sani'l White T Clerk 

Brooklyn November S 1744 ]Mary Stradtik and Unis her 
Daughter warned to Depart out of Brooklyn with in fouiteen days 
by Constable Sharp Sauniel While T Clerk 

Brooklyn February S 174^ ]\[atthew- Addlelon and his wife 
Abiall and there three children namely Jose|)h Jernsha and AI)iall 
■warned to depart out of Brooklyn by Cons liobert Sharp jun 

Sutfolk SS to the Cons of Brooklyn Greeting you are hereby 
Commanded to Carry out of the Town of Brooklyn the Widow 
Mary Stradock and her to Convey to the Next Town and deliver 
her to the Constable of sd Town and so be carried from Constable 
to Constable until she Arives to the Town from wherever she 
came and belongs to piscatiawa and for your so doing this shall be 
your sullicient Warrant Given under my hand and seal this twen- 
tieth day of Febiuarv in the Eighteenth year of his Majestys Keign 
Anno que domini 174i Samuel Sewall Jus Peace 

Brooklyn February 13 274| b3' Virtue of this Warrant I have 
Carried Mary Stradock to the Cons of Roxbury 

Robert Sharp Cons 

June 28 1745 Taken up By John Druce of Brooklyn Damage 
feasant two horses One A large Black horse his left hind foot 
White having no Artifishal Mark the other one sorel Branded 
B F on the Left Buttuck Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn May 8 1745 Matthew Addelton with his Wife Abiall 
and there (three) Children AVarned to depart out of Brooklvn 
Namely Josep Jerusha and Abiall by John Harris jun Constable 

Brooklyn November 28 1745 Rachel Barret Warned to Depart 
out of Brooklyn by Constable John Harris Jnn to Chernsfbrd 
where she belonged Sanuiel While T Clerk 

Brookline May ye 13th 1746 Zel)ulon Goff ul Diet Robert Col- 
lier was warned out of Town as the Law Directs 

Henry Sewall Town Clerk 

Brookline August the 18 Day 1748 Samuel Clark and Mary 
his Wife and Alngail Elizabeth Lusy and Prcsiller there Children 
warned to Depart out of Brookline Thomas As})inwall Constable 

Ebeue'r Davis Town Clerk 



662 ;| 

Brookline octo'r about ye 10 1748 Taken up by Cap'n John 
Winchester in Brookline Dammage Feasant a Sorril Hors about 
thirteen hands and a half High he has four white feete and ablase 
of white in his forehed and no artifisal marks 

Eben'r Davis To'n Clerk 

Brookline May 1748 Then Reced of Mr. Samu'll Gleason the 
sum of Twent}'' Pounds old Tenour as a fine he paid for his being 
Chosen Constable This Present j^ear 

Ebenez'r Davis Town Clerk 

Brookline August ye 29 1748 Then Reced of Mr. Henry Win- 
chester thirteen Pounds old Tenour for the spot that was Granted 
him by the Town for his pew Eben'r Davis Town Clerk 

Brookline August the 19 1748 Then' Reed of Deacon Sam'll 
Clark thirteen Pounds old Tenour for the Spot in the body of the 
Meeting House that was Granted to him by the Town for his Pew 

Eben'r Davis Town Clerk 

Brookline Novemb'r 17 1748 Then Reced of Mr. Abraham 
Woodward Ten pounds old Tenour for that Spot in the Boddy of 
the Meeting House that was Granted to him by the Town for his 
Pew Eben'r Davis Town Clerk 

Brookline Sep'r 1748 Reced of Mr. John Newel Thirteen 
pounds old Tener for the Spot in the Boddy of the Meeting House 
that was Granted to him b}' the Town for his pew 

Eben'r Davis Town Clerk 

Brookline March ye 6th 1748 Then Reced all that was Du to 
me from the Town for Keeping Prudence Savage until the Day of 
the Date hereof Edward White 

Brookline March ye 6th 1748 Then Reced all That was Du 
unto me from the Town For Keeping Elexander Machingtosh until 
the Latter End of May 1749 Robert Sharp 

Brooklyn Septem 17 1749 Taken up in Damage Phesant by 
Nathaniel Kindrick of sd Town One brown ox with the Letters I S 
on his near horn and two Stears of about five years old of A brown- 
ish Coller one of sd stears haveing some white under his belly 

Samuel White T Clerk 

Brooklyn April ye 20th 1749 John Voyn and Rebekah his wife 
was wai-ned to Depart out of this Town 

Thomas Aspinwall Cons 
Ebenezer Davis Town Clerk 

Brookline February ye 10th 1749 John Voyne and Rebecca his 
wife was warned To Depart out of This Town To the Town the}' 
Last Resided in To wit Newton Natha'iel Seaver Constable 

Ebenez. Davis To'n Clerk 



653 

Brookline Fobniary ye 1 0—1711) Kiith \Vinchcstor and Tliuinas 
her Son was Warned To Depart out of the Town into the Town 
they last Inhabited To wit Roxbury * 

Nathaniel Scaver Constable 
Ebenezer Davis Town Clerk 

Mareli ye 2C> \7'A jDuatlian Hide was Warne<l To Depart out 
of this Town unto the Collenny ct Town he last Resided in To wit 
Cantabury in Connetient Isaac Child Ju'r Constable 

Ebene'r Davis To'n Clerk 

Taken up on the 25th of December 1753 by Ebenezer Sargeant 
of Brookline a light coloared Red Cow with a white Streak on Mer 
Back about four or five years old 

1755 Jan Gth Taken up l)y Samuel Wliite Esq an old(iray 
Mare about thirteen Hands & an Half High without any Artificial 
Mark 

Nov 4th 1756 Taken up by Robert Yokes of Boston A Bay 
Mare about fourteen Hands High with a Star in Her forehead 

Brookline Nov'r 2 1st 1757 Taken up by John Newell of sd 
Town on the Sixteenth Instant & Stra3'ed a Large brown Ox hav- 
ing some White between his fore legs both Ears Cropt and the- 
near- Ear stelled 

John Winian and Mar}' Winian his AVife with there Child 
was Warned to Depart out of Brookline to ye Town the}' 
Xast Resided in viz Cambridge Win. Davis Constable 

Brookline June ye 2G 1758 

p Isaac Gardner Juu'r Town Clerk 

Brookline June ye 20th 1758 Thomas Brown Marv Brown his 
Wife and Susanna Elisabeth Mary and Enoch there Children is 
warned to Dejjart out of Brookline to the Town they Last Resided 
in viz Cambridge William Davis Constable 

p Isaac Gardner Ju'r Town Clerk 

Warned Thomas Cummings <fc Mary Cumming-s his Wife to De- 
part out of Brookline to ye Town he Last Resided in Viz Water- 
town p Caleb Woodward Constable 

Brookline Decem'r 3-e 19th 1759 Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

Timothy Hastings and Rebekah his Wife Warned to Depart out 
of Brookline to ye Town they last Resided in viz Cambridge 

Caleb Woodward Const. 
Brookline INIay ye 24th 1759 p Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

riiilip Cony Warnd to Depart out of l^rookline to ye Town he 
last Resided in viz : Boston Caleb Woodward Constable 

Brookline may ye 24th 1759 p Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 

88 



654 

Daniel Benjamin & bis Wife Mary & Daniel and Elisebetli their 
Children Warned to Depart out of Brookline to ye Town they 
Last Resided in Viz : Eoxbury Caleb Woodward Cons 

Brookline Octo'r ye 22d 1759 ^ Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

Warned Benjamin Bridge Anna Bridge his Wife Jeremiah Anna 
& a Male Infant supposd the name to be Benjamin to Depart out 
of 3'e Town of Brookline to the Town they Last Resided in Viz 
Lincoln p Caleb Woodward Const'l 

Brookline Jan ye 12th 1760 ^ Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk 

John Hammond Jun'r & Lydia his Wife & one Child warn'd to 
Depart out of Brookline to ye Town they Last Resided in Viz 
Newton Thomas Woodward Constable 

Brookline May ye 12th 17G0 Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

Warn'd Joseph Hazzard and Lois Hazzard his Wife to Depart 
out of Brookline to the Town of the_y Last Resided in Viz Cam- 
bridge (jp Caleb Woodward Consta'l of Brookline 

Jan'y ye 14th. 1760 ;p Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

Daniel Benjamin & Mary Benjamin Daniel & Elisebeth their 
Children Warn'd to Depart out of Brookline to the Towne they 
Last Resided in Viz Roxbur}^ 

(^ Caleb Woodward Constable of Brookline 
p Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk 
Rebekah Choat a Poor Widdow Warn'd to Depart out of Brook- 
line to 3'e Town She Last Resided in Viz Roxbury 

Brookline January ye 8th 1761 Thos Woodward jun'r Const'l 

ip Isaac Gardner Ju'r T Clerk 
John Whitmore Bulah Whitmore his Wife Silas & John their 
Children Frances Chub William Seager & Mary Upham Warn'd 
to Depart out of Brookline to the Town they Last Resided in Viz 
Newton Thos. Woodward ju'r Constable 

Brookline January ye 2d 1761 ^ Isaac Gardner ju'r T Clerk 

Thomas Mayo & Abigail Mayo & their Child Warned Abigail 
warn'd to Depart to ye Town they Last Resided in Viz Cam- 
bridge Thos. Woodward Constable 

Brookline Octo'r 3'e 16th 1761 p Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

Longley Bartlet & Elisebeth Bartlett his wife and there Son 
John Bartlet warned to Depart to ye Town the3' Last Resided in 
Viz Newton by Thos, Woodward Constable 

Brookline Octo'r ye 6th 1761 ^ Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

Brookline Nov'r 29th AD 1762 Warned The Widow Mary 
Kellon To Depart out of Brookline To the Town she Last Resided 
in Viz Boston |f) Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk 

Serv'd by Sam'l Aspinwall Constable 



655 

Brookline Nov'r ye 22d 17G2 Wariid to Dopait tlic Town of 
Brookline Sainucl Child & Elisebolh his wife with there Children 
(as Named in ye Wtinaut) To the i)hice they Ivast Resided in \'iz 
Newton <|,o Isaac (iardncr Jun'r T Clerk 

Served by Sam'l Aspiuwall Constable 

Brookline July ye 11th 1763 Mary Smith Warn'd to Depart 
ye Town of Brookline to ye Town she Last Resided in Viz Cam- 
bridge ^ Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk 

vServed by John Goddard Constable 

Brookline Jid}- ye 11th 1763 Warn'd Susanna Collin to Depart 
out of the Town of Brookline to the Town she Last Resided in Viz 
Boston p Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

Serv'd by John Goddard Constable 

Brookline July ye 11th 1763 "Warn'd Edmand Mason to Depart 
out of ye Town of Brookline to the Town he Last Resided in Viz 
Boston p Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk 

Serv'd by John Goddard Const'l 

Warned Jerusha Farrar Mary Farrer her Daughter and Jacob 
lier Son to Depart out of 3'e Town of Brookliue to ye Town they 
Last Resided in Viz Xeedham y> Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk 
Brookline July ye lltli 1763 

(the lower line of the page worn off) 

Brookline July ye 6th 1763 Warn'd to Depart out of ye Town 
of Brookline to ye Town of Needham Nathan Farrar & his Wile 
Abigail Farrar p Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk 

Serv'd by John Goddard Cons't 

Brookline January j-^e 16th 1763 Warn'd Mary Ilavendish to 
ye Town she Last Resided in Viz Boston 

p Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk 
Serv'd Sd Warning p Sam'l xVspinwall Constable 

Brookline May ye 19th 1763 AVarn'd to Depart out of ye Town 
of Brookline to the Town She Last Resided in Mz Boston 

p Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk 
serv'd B3' John Goddard Constabl. 

Mary Walker Warn'd to Depart out of ye Town of Brookline to 
ye Town she Last Resided in Viz Lincoln 

Brookline May ye 19th 1763 p Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk 

Serv'd by John Goddard Const'l 

Sept ye 28th 1763 Susanna Bowman warn'd to Depart the 
Town of Brookliue to the Town she Last came from viz Lexington 

Serv'd by John Goddard Const'l 
p Isaac Garduei' T Clerk 



k 



656 



Sep'r 28tli 1763 Susanna Foster Trarned to Depart ye Town of ^ 
Brookline to the Town she Last came frcm Viz Eoxbury Serv'cl by ■ 

John Goddard Coi?st'l 
^ Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

Warn'd to Depart the Town of Brookline to the Town they Last , 
Resided in Viz Ts'ewlon Edwaid Merion & Anna his wife John 
there son Rebekah Hannah & Mehitable Daughters & a Servant , 
Child Named Saiah Greene Brookline Feb ye 28th 1764 

Warn'd by Isaac Gardner Jun'r T Clerk ' 
Serv'd by John Goddaid Constable 

John Cone & his "Wife Ann & Jacob there son Warn'd to De- 
part the Town of Brookline to Ihe Town of Boston 

4f Isaac Gardner Jun'r Town Clerk 
berv'd by William Davis Constable 
Brookline May ye 15(h 176-1: 

Brookline Decem'r 17th 1764 Thos. Kindrick warn'd to Depart 
the Town of Brookline to ye Town he Last Resided in Viz JSatick 

^^ Wm. Davis Const. 
<|f Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 

Decem'r ye 17th Submit Sever warnd to Depart 3'e Town of 
Brookline to ye Town she Last Resided in Viz Roxbury 

By Edui. Davis Constable 
^ Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 

Decem'r 17th Jonathan Coraey Warn'd to Depart the Town of 
Brookline to the Town he Last Resided in Viz Cambridge 

By Wm. Davis Constable 
^ Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 

Brookline January 16th 1765 Abigail Spring warnd to Depart 
said Town to the Town she Last Resided in Viz Newton 

William Davis Constable 
4f Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

Brookline Feb"r 1st 1765 Sarah Freeman (alias Hollowell) 
warn'd to Depart the Town of Brookline to ye Town she Last 
Resided in Viz Newton ^' Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

serv'd by Edm. Davis Constable 

Brookline April ye 3d 1 765 Buler Hammond Warn'd to Depart 
ye Town of Brookline to Cambridge 

June ye 17th 1765 Esther Belknap W^arn'd to Depart ye ToAvn 
of Brookline to Framingham 

May ye 8th 1765 Mary Farrar Warn'd to depart ye Town of 
Brookline to 3'e Town of Roxbury 

Sept'm ye od 1765 Ann Tucker Abigail Farrar & Abigail 



G57 

Farrar Daughter to ye above sd Abigail Farrar Wani'd to Depart 
ye Towii of Brookline into ye Town of Roxbury 

Oc'tob'r lotli Ilannali Hilton Warn'd to Depart ye Town <>l' 
Brookline to ye Town of jSewton 

Attest Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 

Brookline April ye liStli 17GG Joseph Dueit iV Ann his AVife 
Charles Josei)h &. mary there Children Charles Bellesous & Susanna 
his Wife uiary Lidiven Peggy Joseph Hannah there Children & 
Joseph Landeree Glode duGar & Mary his wife I'eggy Hannah 
Leeily Felicity Joseph Daniel there Children Joseph Le Blance «fc 
Madlie his wife & INlary Le Blance &c Warn'd to Depart the Town 
of Brookline to the Town they Last Resided in Viz Cambridge 

p Isaac Gardner T Clerk 
Serv'd by William Davis Constable 

Glode du Gar & Family came from Sturbridge all the others 
from Charlton 

Brookline Octo'r 21t 17GG Hannah Hilton AVarnd to Depart 
the Town of Brookline to the Town she Last Resided in \'iz New- 
ton p Isaac Gardner T Clerk 

Serv'd b}- William Davis Constable 

Brookline Septem'r ye L^th 1766 Ann Tucker Warned to 
J3epavt ye Town of Brookline to ye Town she Last Resided in 
Viz Roxbur}- within fourteen Daj^s . 

p Isaac Gardner T Clerk 
Warn'd by William Davis Constable 

Elizabeth Harris Warn'd to Depart the Town of Brookline to 
the Town she Last Resided in Yiz Roxbury within fourteen Days 

p Isaac Gardner T Clerk 
Warn'd b}- William Davis Constable 

March ye 15th 1768 Ebenezer Bartlet warn'd to Depart the 
Town of Brookline to the Town he last Resided in A'iz Roxbury 

p Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 
Warn'd by William Davis Constable 

Nov'r ye 18th 17G9 Snrah Welch warn'd to Depart the Town 
of Brooklyn to ye Town of Stoughton 

James Commack warn'd to Depart the Town of Brooklyn to ye 
Town he List Resided in Viz Boston & also the Widow Snrah 
Fillebrown & her Children (Viz) Sarah Louis John Anna Thomas 
Abigail «fc William to Depart ye Town of Brooklyn to the Town 
they Last Resided in (Viz) Boston Serv'd by Wm. Davis Const'l 

Attest Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 

Brooklyn May ye llth 17GI) Martha Whitney Warn'd to 
Depart ye Town of Brooklyn to the Town she Last Resided in 



658 

Viz Newton the above sd Martha came to Brooklyn may ye 30th 
1768 Serv'd by William Davis ''Const'l 

Attest Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 

Brookh'ne Nov'r ye 14th 1770 Warn'd to Depart ye Town of 
Brooklyn to the Town of Cambridge Benja. Cook & Lydia his 
"wife and Elisha Benjamin tt L^xlia their Children & Sarah Gary 
their Servant Girl 

AVarn'd by John Goddard Constable 
Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 
Brookly April ye 14th 1770 Warnd to Depart the Town of 
Brookly to the Towns they Last Resided in Abraham Jackson 
& Margaret his wife & his six children Viz Sarah Thaddeus 
Nathan Asa Ezra Molly They to Newton Esther Weld to Depart 
sd Town to the Town she came from Viz Stnrbridge within four- 
teen Days p Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 

Serv'd by John Goddard Constable 
Feb ye 19th 1771 Katharine Tompson & David her son Warn'd 
to Depart the Town of Brookline to the Town she belongs to Viz 
Weston she came to Brooklyn Nov'r ye 27th 1770 

Served by John Goddard Constable 
Attest Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 



[From Boston Records.] 

28 of the 4 mo. 1672 Whereas some differences have been 
among the Proprietors of the Common Field at Muddy River, re- 
ferring to a Ilighwa}' from the Field Gate to Charles River It is 
Ordered that the said High. Way shall lie from the Said Gate as 
now it is till it comes to the Ditch & Fence cast up before Capt. 
Hulls, and the Widow Minots Land, and the Land of Tubal Seav- 
ers and thence to go on within the Said Fence and Ditch next the 
uphmd, and so forward, till it comes to Charles River ; the said 
Way to be made passable at the Charge of John V\^hite Thomas 
Gardner & Comp T. who but upon the Said Fence, up on the 
Marsh Side, and that the Whole Waj' be two Rods in breadth 
throughout ; and whereas there w'as Land Allowed for a Landing 
place for Wood at Rivers Side in the now possessed b}^ John 
Sliarp ; — 

It is Ordered that the Said Sharp allow the use of the Said Land 
for the ends aforesaid, at the place commonly called Mr. Cottons 
Landing Place as appeares of Record in the Town Clerks office in 
Boston Liber No. 2 Page 69— 

Att's William Cooper Town Clerk 

A True Copy Recorded p me Isaac Gardner Town Clf^r 

July ye 27th 1674 It is Ordered that there be a a High : Way 
laid out at Mudd}- River from the Way to Cambridge, through the 



659 

Lniul of John Parker nml so through Henr}' iStevens Land, to John 
White Sen'r his Marsli or Meadow, to run from this Land of Said 
Parkers near the said Stevens Hails 1)et\veen his other J>ands and so 
roundinge al)out tiic side of the Hill to the Wa^' formerly into the 
Said Meadow of John Whites 

As Ap[)ears of Record in in the Town Clerk, Ollice in Boston 
Liber No. 2 Folio Page 87 

Att's William Cooper Town Clerk 

A True Cop}' Recorded p me Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 



[Found at the cikI of the second volume of Records.] 

Brookline Ma}- ye 13th 1762 Taken up liy Joshua Woodward 
of Said Brookline Damage Feasant a Sorrel Miwa about fourteen 
hands & a half hig both Jrolts & Gaies Supposed to be al)oiit five 
or Six years old no artificial markes Isaac Gardner T. Clerk 

May 13th 17G2 The above mare was Apprized by two meet 
Persons under Oath. Viz Mr. John Harris & Mr. Elisha Gardner 
for the sum of four pounds ten siiillings 

Attest Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 

Brooklyn Nov'r ye 27lh 1773. Taken up by John Spear Hog- 
reave a white shote. Suposing to way about 90 lb. with a Leather 
Strap on one of the hind feet Said Swine was taken was Damage 
Feasant in Capt. Benjamin AVhits Ground 

attest Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 

Brookly Sept. ye 2."itli 1774 Taken up by John Speare Hog- 
reave a large Sow supposed to weigh about Eight Score in the 
Kings higUwa\' with a Yoke on with three black spots on he Shol- 
(lers Attest Isaac Gardner Town Clerk 



Oet Taken up in the Inclosure of the subscriber a light sorrel 
jNIare, with one white hind foot about Plight years old. Th(> 
owner can have her bv applying to Silas Snow. Punch Bowl Vil- 
lage Octo 23. 1837— 

Mar 1838 Found in the Enclosure of the subscriber a White 
Mare & Sleigh which the Owner is requested to take away &c pay 
charges. March 7. 1838, David R. Griggs 

Dec'r 6 1837 A Child was found at the door of David Coolidge's 
dwelling house Gth December 1838 [?] supposed to be about Ten 
days old — 

Jan 1 1838 The Selectmen met at the Post Office and made out 
a list of State Paupers till 1st January 1838. 

George Thompson aged abt 62 j'ears came to the Common'th 



660 

1802 from England became cliargable 1 May 1835 continued 
chargable till 1838. 334 days fw 7 — 23.38 

Ann Porter age 9. Years born in Brookliue 1828 

from 1 June 1837. to 1838. 334 days fa) 4 13.36 



36.74 



[The following papers contain matter that can hardly fail to be of interest to 
many of our citizens, as they illustrate the character and condition of a prominent, 
wealthy and beneficent family which flourished during the first century of our 
history.] 

In the Name of God Amen. 

I, Edward Devotion of Brooldyn in the County of Suffolk & 
Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, Yeoman being 
aged & infirm. Do make & ordain this ni}' Last Will and Testa- 
ment in manner and form following. Principally and first of all 
I give & recommend my soul to God who gave it hoping and be- 
lieving that in the merc_y of God through Jesus Christ my 
Redeemer I shall receive full pardon of all my sins and an Inheri- 
tance among them that are Sanctified. M3- Bod}' I commiL to the 
Earth to be decentl}" buried at the discretion of my Executors 
hereinafter named, And as for m}^ Temporal Goods and Estate 
I will that they be EmploA^ed & bestowed in manner following: 

Imp's I will that all my Just Debts & Funeral Charges be 
well & trul}: paid by my Executors herein after named in conve- 
nient time after my. decease. 

Item. I give & bequeath to my well beloved Wife Mary Devo- 
tion the sum of Five hundred Pounds Lawful! money of the Prov- 
ince aforesaid and all my House hold Goods to her her heirs & 
assigns forever. 

Item. I give to my beloved friend Mr. James Shedd the sum of 
Twenty five Pounds Lawfull mone}' aforesd in consideration of my 
respect for him. 

Item. I give to the Grand Children of my Brother John Devo- 
tion deceased the Sum of Two hundred & fifty Pounds Lawfull 
mone}' out of which sum my will is that the Rev'd Mr. Ebenezer 
Devotion shall, have Sevent}' five Pounds and that the remainder 
be equally divided amongst the rest of the said Grand Children 
provided always nevertheless and my Will is that the said Legacy 
of Two hundred & fifty Pounds is given & bequeathed to the said 
Grand Children of my sd Brother is upon this Special Condition 
that they shall Quit claim to my Executors all the Right Title 
and Interest that they have, or may pretend to have, of and in all 
that Estate that came to me by my Hon'd Father John Devotion 
deceased and in case they refuse to give such Quit claim then my 
Will is that aforesaid Legacy of Two hundred & fifty Pounds 
shall cease and be void. 



661 

Item. I give to Deacon Edward Ruggles the sum of Seventy 
five Pounds Lawful! money, and to Mr. Samuel Grilfni the like 
sum of Seventy live Pounds. 

Item I give to the Church of Christ in Brooklyn one Silver 
Taukard containing one C^nart. 

Item. As for the Estate which I sold to Solomon Hill and for 
which he gave me a Mortgage Deed mv will is that in case he 
should not Redeem the said Estate and Discharge the Mortgage 
within the time limited then and in such case I hereby authorize 
A: impower my said Executors to dispose of the same together 
with all my Land in Brooklyn to the Highest Bidders in Order 
to pay & discharge the aforesaid Legacies ami my Just Debts. 

Item my will is that in case my Estate shall not be suflicient 
to pay my Just Debts, Funeral Charges and ye aforesaid Legacies 
by me given, then in such case my will is that each of the Lega- 
cies given in this my will be reduced proportionaljly. (Saving the 
Legacies given to my wife and my friend James Shed which are 
to be first paid without any deduction). 

Item in case my Estate prove to be sutiicient to pay my Just 
Debts, Funeral Charges and the aforementioned Legacies and 
there should beany overplus left then my will is and I hereby give 
the sd overplus to the Town of Brooklyn towards Building or 
Maintaining a School as near the Centre of the said Town as 
shall be agreed upon b}- the Town. But if the said Town cannot 
agree upon a Place to set the said School upon then my Will is 
that the said overplus be laid out in purchasing a AVood Lott for 
the use of the School and the ministry of said Town forever. 

Item, my mind & will is, any thing afoiewritten to ye contrary 
thereof notwithstantling that the aforementioned Legacies by me 
given are not to be paid untill the aforesd mortgage Deed given 
me by the said Solomon Hill be Discharged or (in case he refuse 
to Redeem ye. said Estate) untill the said Estate by him mort- 
gaged as aforesaid can be conveniently sold by my Executors 
hereinafter named. 

Lastly. I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved wife 
Mary and my Friend Mr. James Shed of Roxbury to be Execu- 
tors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all for- 
mer wills by me made. In witness whereof 1 have hereunto set 
my hand and seal this Fourteenth day of June in the Seventeenth 
year of his majesty's Reign and in the year of our Lord Christ one 
thousand seven hundred and forty three. 

EDWARD DEVOTION. (Seal) 

Signed, sealed, published pronounced & declared by the sd Ed- 
ward Devotion the Testator to be his last Will and Testament, in 
presence of us the subscribers (ye words, can be conveniently be- 
ing first intelined) James Clark. Nathaniel (^.aidner. Elhanan 
Winchestor. 
84 



662 



Suffolk, SS. B}' the Hono'ble Josiah Willard Esq'r Judge of 
Prob'te &c 

The within written will being presented for Probate by the Exe- 
cutors therein named Samuel Clark & P^lhanan Winchester made 
oath that the}' saw Edward Devotion the subscriber to this Instru- 
ment sign & seal & heard him publish & declare the same to be 
his last Will & Testament, and that when he so did he was of 
sound disposing mind & memoiy according to these Depon'ts best 
discerning and that thej together with Nathaniel Gardner now 
already set to their hands as Witnes^ses thereof in the said Testa- 
tors presence. J. WILLARD. 

Boston Nov'r 27th 1744. 



An Inventore of the estate of Edward Devotion of Mnddy 
river. In the bounds of Boston in the county of Suffolk, deceased 
the twent}' eighth day of September, sixteen hundred eighty and 
five, tidvcn b}' ihe persons whose names are subscribed in the 
seqnell. 

Imprimis, the homestead houseing and ten acres land adjoin- 
ing thereto, with the orchyard and twenty one acres of land upon 
the south side of the road that leads to boston at two hundred 



pounds — 

lands lying within the field commonh' called Boston 

field, fifty four acres at 
Marsh by the sprini^, two acres 
five acres of land by John Davis in Roxbury 
ten acres of land in Roxbury bounds 
Sheep & lambs forty two, at ten pounds 
five cowes and young cattell, three horse kind 
Sheep let out at eight pounds, 
seven swine 
Debts due to the estate 
Wavering debts 
tenn pair of sheets, six pounds 
other articles of furniture 
cart & wheels & plowes 

Collar & braces & saddles one gun, 3 saws, 2 axes 
fourteen barrell of sider at foure pounds 
tubs & other lumber 

The sume totall 
Probate 27 Octob'r 1685. 

MARY DEVOTION, | 
JOHN DEVOTION, ,1 



200 00 00 



108 


00 00 


18 


00 00 


18 


00 00 


i' 


10 00 


10 


00 00 


28 


10 00 


8 


00 00 


3 


10 00 


270 


00 00 


7 


00 00 


6 


00 00 


15 


00 00 


3 


00 00 


1 


10 00 


4 


4 00 




10 


£708 


14 00 


Executors. 



on:', 



Tbis is an inveiitorv of the Esttitt' both Reall <fe personal of Mr. 
Edward Devotion of IJrooUlyn, late deceased, Apprized l)v u.s the 
subscribers who are lioreunder written, Viz : 

fifteen Acres and half of land at three Hundred and ten 

pounds. . 310 

Seven acres of land apprizcil at one lumdrcd and Ove 

pounds 10'^ 

41.') 



One Negrow at thirty pounds — 30 

One Cow at fourteen pounds — 14 

Wairing Apparril at twenty pounds — '^^ 

Beds & Bedding at forty pounds 40 

Tabels & chairs & wooden ware twenty pounds — 20 

Puter, Iron and brass at twenty five pounds — 25 



£149 



one Tron bar twenty five shillings 



SAMUEL WHITE 
Apprizers \ SAMUEL CLARK 

THOMAS AS PIN WALL 



Memo : There is sundry Bonds due to said estate with interest 
as pr acct. of Particulars' on file £1735.6.6 old ten'r. Besides 
some desperate Bonds amounting to £53.7. Cash old tener £80.158. 

Date of Probate — March 8, 1744. 



INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 



¥ 



Abatement of the rates of sundry persons r,7_493, passim 

of Henry Sewell's rates before the Court of Sessions 177 

Academy, meeting to see if the Town will subscribe to the support of a 4'Jl 

Committee to petition for its location in Brookline 422 

Accounts, Auditors of Treasurer's 117-G32, passim 

Committee to report on method of managing 2S!'t 

copy of their rt port 295 

penalty of Constables for not making up their 36 

Selectmen to view, and make return 'J8, 124 

to be presented within three months after becoming due 304 

Allotment, a way to be laid out to each 14, 63 

Allotments and grants at Muddy River to sundry persons 0-45, passim 

and other business, Overseers of 15 

for habitation must be built upon 13 

for the poorer sort of iuliabitants 13 

of 500 acres for perpetual commonage 26, 77 

one dwelling-house to be built on each of the 15 

sold only by consent of AUotters 13 

to such only as may become members of the congregation 12 

Alms and Work House, ^luddy River assessed for 55 

Ammunition for the Town's use, levy to procure 98, 141, 151, 157, 161 

to be taken care of 308-491 , passim 

Annexed to Brookline, J. Ward petitions to be 539 

Army, The Continental. See Continental Army. 

The Northern, Committee to enlist eight men for 270 

have full discretion in oflFering bounty 270 

their report accepted 271 

money for bounty to be hired 271 

canteens for 271 

£18,841 raised by tax for the OH] 

Collector of it allowed 2 ^ per cent T-iVJ 

prompt payment to secure deduction of 5 per cent 302 

said money to be paid to Major Osgood instead of beef 302 

£25,000 raised to procure beef for the 303 

Assessors of Brookline 92- 632, passim 

how governed in taxing money and plate 380 

Auctioneer, licensed ^'-^ 



66R 

Baptist Meeting-house, land on which it stands measured 57^ 

Bell given by N. Boylston, provision for hanging 230 

Committee to repair the 328, 560 

)3y Stephen Higgiuson 467 

Bible given to the Town by Thomas Walley 471 

Bills of Credit, Town refuses to redeem 274 

Birds, protection of 532 

Book of Possessions 72 

Boston, fittest place for public meetings 9 

contribution to suiFerers by a fire in 358 

gifts for the poor of 252 

hai'bor, volunteers to fortify 514 

inhabitants of Muddy River not discharged from 58 

military company formed to protect from invasion 618, 514 

refugees in, measures taken to secure incomes of their estates 254 

separate county from, vote to be a 129, 140, 149 

Toy mountain to be called 9 

valuation of, in 1680 71 

Boston and Charlestown, relief for 251, 252 

Bounds between Brookline and Cambridge (1705) 689, 641, 642 

Brookline and Boston 555, 556, 619 

Brookline and Newton 607, 639, 641, 642 i 

Muddy River and Cambridge 40 

Roxbury and Brookline 606, 642 

Roxbury and Boston 61 

Bounty Money, Committee to ascertain amount paid by the Town 281 

paid four men serving on the Secret Expedition 273 

paid sixteen men enlisted in the Continental Army 268 

paid three men who marched to the aid of Rhode Island 267 

raised by taxation 261 

Selectmen to collect 289 

to be hired 262 

to volunteers in Continental service 256, 260, 261, 262 

vote not to allow to Lieut. Caleb Craft 274 

Boy's head rated through a mistake 116 

Bread Weighers. See Weighers of Bread. 

Bridge appointed to be made at Muddy River 29 

near Punch Bowl Tavern , to be repaired 408 

to Cambridge aci'oss Charles River, objected to 383 

British American Colonies, vote to encourage manufactures in 218 

Brookline, copy of grant for (1705) 83, 91 

petition to General Court, to be made a township 78 

Burying cloth or pall, procured at Town's cost 100 

Burying Place, barberry bushes to be pulled up from the 204,431 

Committee to agree with Mr. Cotton for a 100 

Committee to procure a; their report : 109, 110 



667 

Jury.ng Place, Committee to see to fencing, etc 235 410 

necessity and location of a (1 706 ) 92 

liberty given to build tombs in the 174-485, passim 

Bunker Ilill Monuiiu'nt Association, address from, read 555 

Cambridge and Boston, line between, at Muddy River 34,40 

Village ask for a highway through part of Muddy River 54 

Canada, Rev. Mr. Potter not to go on the expedition to 186 

Canadian Service, bounty offered to volunteers for 258, 259 

Committee for soliciting volunteers 250 

dratted men may take tlie bounty or pay the fine 259 

money to be hired for paying volunteers 259 

Canteens and mileage for volunteers •J71 

Cattle, damage from unruly H 

and horses, sundry taken up 563-650 passim 

house built for, at Pullen Point 11 

not allowed to run in the roads without a keeper 436-614 passim 

prices to be set on all 13 

report of Committee on restraining 603 

shall be Icept abroad from the neck •. 11 

Cedar Swamp leased forever to Robert Turner and Peter Oliver 37 

let to Ralph Mason for fifty years 35 

ten years added to his lease 37 

rented by the jear or otherwise 35 

to be improved for grass 35 

Chandelier presented to the Town by J. Robinson 556 

Chilli found at door of D. Coolidge's 650 

Children to be disposed of for servants 67 

Church. See Meeting-house, and Minister. 

Claims against the Town, to be presented within a fixed time 35,46 

to commons considered 46 

Clerks of the Market 120-583 passim 

Collections of Daniel White deficient 345, 346, 347 

Collector indemnified for paying money to Receiver General 250 

required to give bonds 333 

sixty pounds over his premium to be given him 291 

Collectors of rates, abatements in favor of 251 

Colonies, promotion of manufactures in 218 

Colonists, Committee to consider the violation of the rights of the 234 

Committee to be a standing Committee of Correspondence 234 

to instruct the Representative 235, 249 

their Report 236, 249 

consequent votes of the Town 236, 240 

to communicate with Committee of Correspondence of Boston.. 237, 242 

copy of their letter 238 

invRfled rights of 247 



668 

Commissioner for valuation of estate in Brookline 94 

Commission officer to be assisted in raising three men 260 

Committee to examine claims for military service 270, 284 

to see to the measurement of land in Town 2.I3 

to level execution on D. White's estate . . /. o46 

to view the town 3^6 

Committee of Correspondence, inspection and safety 258-328, passim 

action of, respecting John Green's petition 2'.i4 

have a meeting at Concord 286 

Committees of fourteen towns meet at Dcdhaui to consider a form of govern- 
ment for the State 280 

proposed form rejected, and reasons stated 281 

Committees to hire men for military duty 250, 286 

Commonage, 500 acres allotted for perpetual 2G, 77 

Common at the great pound, used by Jacob Eliot 39 

Common field, differences among the proprietors of 44, 47 

highway to Charles River from the 47 J 

making the fences of 49 

Common lands, crooked timber on, granted to Thomas Pecke 51 

fallen wood granted to sundry persons 48, 51 

free egress through, ordered 45 

liberty given to cut trees, on conditions 67 

no trees to be felled on, under penalty 45 ' 

Overseers of the 92 

rails left thereon, to be seized by Constable 37 

Representative to act with Selectmen of Boston about 97 

Selectmen to take care of the wood fallen on the 95 

who are the proprietors of the 40, 47 

Concord, resolutions of Convention at, approved 287 

Representative to Convention at 288 

prices not mentioned by said Convention, how regulated 287, 288 

Congregation, members of the, shall not sue one another 13 

Constables and Collectors of Brookline 91-632, passim 

allowance to, for extraordinary trouble 105, 106 

at Muddy River 12-90, passim 

compensation of 109-574, passim 

delinquent in their accounts 105, 344, 367, 372 

penalty therefor 118-371, passim 

discharged from collecting taxes of sundry persons 267 

fifty-five bushels of Indian corn given to 290 \ 

forty bushels of Indian corn given to 278 

the Town votes to hire 154-499, passim 

to warn Freemen's meeting 43, 48 

Constitution of Government, Convention for, recommended 266 

Convention at Cambridge for forming a 287 

Constitution for the State assented to in part 292 



009 

Constitution for the StAte, exceptions named 292, 203 

amendment of, vote on 021 

meeting in regard to the revision of 408 

pay granted to delegates to Constitutional Convention 305 

Continental Army, appropriation to buj' beef for 314 

bounty otfered to volunteers in the 250, 200, 201, 2G2 

Committees of enlistment 250, 200, 279, 306 

encouragement offered to volunteei-s 250, 260, 201, 262 

money to be hired for the purpose 200, 202, 288 

near New York or Ticondcroga 201 

officers and soldiers of, exempted from poll tax 256 

Selectmen indemnified for not drafting men 315 

votes to raise men for the 250, 321 

vote to raise five men to go to Nantasket 322 

Continental Congress, vote to comply with recommendations of 251 

Continental paper money tax, abatement on 396 

Contributions for the Minister 114 

overplus to be delivered to Town Treasurer 109, 116 

stranger's money of the, to be delivered to Town Treasurer 109 

Correspondence, Committees of 258-328, passim 

Cotton's Landing Place, to be a landing place for wood 47, 058 

( "(lunty of Sufiijlk, vote on division of 380 

County Convention 247, 397, 408 

County, vote to petition to be set off in a separate 303 

Committee to state the Town's objections to division 380 

their report 381 

petition to be reunited to the County of Suftblk 397 

copy of the petition 398 

Cows keeper at Muddy River, sundry persons entreated to become 12 

Crow, bounty paid for the head of every 532 

Debt and credit of the Town, Committee to inquire into the 308 

Debts, Committee to determine some rule for settling certain 303 

of the Town to be paid in silver or its equivalent 304 

Declaration of Independence, lives and fortunes of the Town pledged to the 

support of the measure 258 

Deeds granted to the Town by Josiah "Winchester 1*28 

of laud received from Edward Devotion 186 

of land received from Samuel White 199, 201 

Deer Island improved for maintenance of free school 31 

Delegates to County Convention 247 

to the Provincial Congress 249 

Committee to instruct 250 

verbal instructions given to 251 

See Representatives. 
85 



670 

Devotion, Edward, Committee for cai-e of the estate of. 186 

Committee for the care of the legacy of 177, 204 

Committee receive moneys from the executrix 2< l-t 

Committee to confer with S. Hill concerning the legacy of 17') 

Committee to proceed with Solomon Hill in a case of law 186 

money appropriated to use of said Committee 180 

executrix of his estate to be indemnified 196 

interest of his legacy appropriated to schools 20-1 

inventory of the estate of 662 

money from his estate to buy a silver tankard 206 

mortgage deed given by S. Hill to 168 

receipt of R. Sharp for bond paid by executrix 205 

receipt of S. White's estate to executrix 205 

vote not to remit any of the legacy to S . Hill 203 

will of, copy of 660 

course of Selectmen concerning, approved 161 

Diet for Townsmen, Constables ordered to pay for 31, 32 

Districts, bounds of highway 425-623, passim 

Dorchester Neck, wood to be felled in 12 

Draft, training band to be warned for a 299 

Drinking and disorders, inspectors to prevent 49 

East India Company's tea. Committee to get intelligence about 242 

copy of resolves sent to Committee of Correspondence 242 

Election of County ofiicers 350-637, passim 

of Governor and other State officers 300-631, passim 

of United States officers 363-621, passim 

Engine Norfolk, the Town joins Roxbury in purchasing 571, 579 

European superfluities discouraged 218 

Committee to prepare a form for subscription against 218 

Faneuil Hall, Committee chosen to join Committee of Towns at 222 

Farms measured, to be recorded in Town Books 316 

of sundry persons measured 330, 331, 332, 378 

'Fast Day. entertainment of Minister for, at public cost 114 

Fence of the Common field, the making of 34 

Fences at Muddy River, Overseers of 28-90, passim 

Overseers of, shall see to making stiles and gates 11 

to be made by equal proportion of acres 16 

to be made sufficient under penalty 10, 25, 28 

Fence viewers of Brookline 92-632, passim 

Field drivers of Brookline 92-632, passim 

of Muddy River 38,39 

Fifty thousand pounds^ action of the Town concerning its part of 119 

forty pounds of use money thereof paid to Town creditors 125 

trustees of. 115^ 

use money from the, devoted to Town purposes 137 



671 

Fire engine to be repaired ^Of^ 

wagon for conveying 420 

Firewanls. 360-032, passim 

Fort Independence, question of pay for men drafted to serve at 516 

Gate and style at Roxbury j j 

in the highway, complained of by John 'White 39 

Gates across the highway, leave granted to keep 36 645 

of highway left open, penalty for 36 

proving an injury to Henry Bowen to be removed 50 

Geese not to go upon the highways 133 

General Assembly to be held at Watertown, Representative to tlie 255 

General Court petitioned for abatement of taxes 328 

Selectmen and a ComTuittec draw up instructions for deputies to 69 

Goods found by Ebcnczer Sargent 145-215, passim 

of J. Stedman sold at public vendue 207 

Government for the State, Committee meet at Dedham to consider 280 

proposed form rejected 281 

for the United States, convention for considering 359 

Governor and State officers. See Election of. 

Grand Jurors for Brookline 94-208 passim 

Grants to sundry persons. See Allotments. 

Gratuity not allowed to sundry volunteers in the ai'my 267 

Grave-digger appointed HI 

Great and General Assembly of the colony, delegate to 258 

Great and General Assembly to be held at Boston, Representative to 266 

to be held at Watertown, Representative to .255 

vote not to send a Representative 255 

Great and General Court, Representatives to. See Representatives. 

Guide Boards, Report of Committee on 636 

Hamlet of Muddy River. See Mu^ddy River. 

Hay sold by the town, where weighed 162 

to be removed from a dwelling-house 68 

Hayscales to be erected 560, 610 

Hemp and flax, Surveyors of 142-14'.t passim 

Highway, copy of Committee's report 523-G23 passim 

between I. Childs' and T. Woodward, to be repaired 109 

between gravel bank and Mr. Hill's house 626 

betwixt Boston and Cambridge, consideration of 38 

cross fence made in, by J. Harrison 68 

districts divided 425-623 passim 

for North End inhabitants 107, 114 

damage claimed by J. Winchester, not allowed 116, 118 

record of said way 117 

sum raised to pay for said road ..119 



672 

Highways for North End inhabitants. Continued. 

twenty pounds allowed Thomas Cotton for land taken 116 

closed by Josiah Winchester, complained of 123 .^^j 

Committee to treat with said Winchester 123, 124 ',(8 

to be viewed by Committee in convention 180 ^ 

for south-west part of town, necessary 101 

from the Common to Charles River 47 

from I. S. Gardner's to Little Cambridge, examined 412 

from the field gate to Charles River 47, 658 

from the Meeting-house to G. Cabot's, altered 404 

from Muddy River to Cambridge 37 

from N. Davis' gate to Roxbury line 188, 199, 207, 210 

from road to Cambridge to meadow of John White 48 vi| 

from road to Cambridge through land of J. Parker 48, 659 '' 

from road to Drew's mill to Sherbui-ne road 110 

from Samuel Newell's land to Roxbury, altered 110, 645 

from south part of Brookline to road from Roxbury to Newtou 105 

gate in, complained of by J. White 39 

into the marsh to be laid out 33 

in south part of the Town, application for 574, 577, 581,613 a 

land between Cambridge road and Marsh road fenced in by E. K. || 

Wolcott 499 ] 

lane from Town road to J. Harris' house not a highway 408 

near Charles Stearns 572 

stopped up by J. White, by stone wall 36 

through Rowen's farm 45, 51 

through C. Craft's, J. Goddard's, and T. Jackson's land 485 

through D. and J. Harris' laud to Roxbury 154, 157 

through J. Lucas' laud 412 

through land of J. White 36, 46 

damage and consideration 37 , 

through land of orphan children of J. Buckjnaster, changed 52 

through the marshes, obstructions to be removed 52 

rate to to be deducted from Town rate 240, 326 

Surveyor to work out delinquents 246, 326 

delinquent to pay money 361, 371, 372, 377 

warrants of distress to be delivered to the 465 

through J. Winchester's land, asked for 64, 647 

land laid out and described 64, 647 

through Muddy River to Cambridge 33 

through part of Muddy River to the country roads, asked for by 

Cambridge 54 

through Philip Torrey 's land 645 

to Common, width of, from Thomas Boylston's 46 

to J. Buckminster's land, petition for 63 

dissatisfaction of Buckminater 64 

final settlement 65 



673 

Highway to J. Goddard's land, records searched for a 122, 137 

to Muddy River Common still to be so used h\ 

to Watcrtown mill, laying out and repair of. [i'>, 07 

Highways mended by each man working his proportion 115-32G, passim 

Selectmen to set price of labor '.'0-301, passim 

credit given only for time of work 349 

price of labor of man and team 377-542, passim 

team allowed forty shillings a day 171 

mended by districts. 115, 220 

report of a Committee on repairing 588 

request of J. Goddard respecting 228, 229 

Surveyors of, in Bi-ookline 92-632, passim 

in Muddy River 33-56, passim 

through Boston lands at Muddy River 31 

tools for use on 388 

towards Cambridge, laid out 27 

two taken from R. Harris' land 34 

walls straightened opposite sundry estates 489 

when to be repaired 284, 361, 623 

Hogg Island lotted out 9 

parcel of, sold to Thomas Mai'shall 31 

Hoghei'ds of Brookline. See Field drivers. 

Hogrcaves of Brookline. See Field drivers. 

Hogs, votes that they run at large 117-196, passim 

House for Ann Ilowen built by town aid 68 

one only upon any one lot to be buQt 15 

Houses to be sold by consent of allotters 13 

to be sold only with a portion of great allotment 16 



Indenture between D. Adams and N. Hill 648 

Indian corn, fifty-five bushels paid to Constable 290 

forty bushels paid to Constable 278 

war, rate for, committed to the Constable 49 

woman's sickness, money paid for, to be reimbursed 154 

Indians, seven, sold for slaves 73 

Inhabitants, sundry persons allowed to be 24, 25 

Interest allowed on orders drawn on Town Treasurer 357 

Iron stove to be purchased for Grammar School 279 



Jurors for a Maritime Court 270, 271, 273, 274 

for a Special Court 268, 270 

Grand 94-403, passim 

Petit 102-628, passim 

Jury box regulated ^17 



674 

Land, Committee for determining quantity and value of 293 

their report not accepted 293 

Committee to view and appraise all 294 

deficient quantity taxed at discretion of Assessors 306, 809 i 

fenced in by E. K. Wolcott, to be inquired about 499 

in the town to be measured 291, 829 

near Mr. Penniman's, Committee to examine 551, 552 

of sundry persons surveyed 310 

parcel of, let to Edward Miles to build a house on 45 

said to belong to the Town, inquiry about 321 

sold at Muddy River 25-31, passim 

sworn surveyor's measurement of, to be accepted 298 

triangular piece bought of Richard Sullivan 507 

Landing place belonging to the Town, Committee to see if there is any 223 

their report referred 225 

Lands allotted for planting 10 

allotted to such only as may become members of the congregation 12 

at Muddy River, no more to be granted 29 

belonging to the Town divided among the inhabitants 10, 81 

in the neck, to be planted 10 

Lawsuit with J. Boylston on account of F. Levant 215 

with Cambridge, relative to Thaddeus Hide 393 

with some inhabitants in South part of the Town 132 

Legacy of N. Boylston, Committee to obtain the 404 

of Edward Devotion, acceptance of Selectmen's action concerning 161 

Committee to confer with S. Hill, concerning 175 

Committee to take care of land near North Yarmouth given by said 
Devotion 177 

Livery cupboard for the Town-house 36 

Logs carried to saw-mill, allowance for 127 

Magistrates, deputies, etc., nomination of 44, 48 

Manufacturers in Brookline, certificate of 628 

Market, clerks of the. See Clerks of the Market. 

Markets in Boston, Committee on dissatisfaction respecting 336 

Marriage to another woman, allowed to J. Lewis 69 

Marsh, Committee to view bounds between Jarratt Bourne and Ralph Root. . . .32 

Committee to examine Marsh road 546 

Committee to renew bounds of way adjoining the 226 

hay not to be taken from, by cart or sled 52 

highway into the. Committee for laying out a 33 

let out for mowing 35 

nine acres of, bought by John Audlin 32 

Town quits all claim to certain 435 

Meeting-house, inhabitants manifest their minds on building a (1706) 92 

Committee to find a convenient place for a 99 



r,7r, 

Meeting-house, Committee to manage the affairs of the 'JO 

Committee for building the 100 

land given by Caleb Ganlner for a 'M, 103 

money fur building levied in wamc way as the Province tax 101 

of same dimensions as one in Roxbury loO 

on account of building a, Town begs to be excused from sending a 

Representative 101 

Committee's accounts to be examined 102 

account allowed 101 

cost of dinner at raising, allowed 104 

deed of sale of land for the, to be procured 103 

money and clock given for a new, by J. Lucas 4'J3 

money raised for arrears 1 ( 3, 104 

to be ceiled under the galleries at Town's cost 104, lOG 

to be glazed with diamond glass 104 

Committee on new situatiou for a l')4 

their report considered 455, 457 

laud bought therefor 45'J 

monej' borroAved to build new house 457 

report of Committee lOG, 112, 146,167 

Committee to scat the 105-1-16, passim 

Committee to dispose of certain pews in 178-241, passim 

pews in, allotted to sundry persons 147-456, passim 

condition to be examined 423, 425, 427 

forfeited, taken by the Town 106, 145 

proprietors to have legal rights 106 

sold by the Town '. 210-426 passim 

pews to be set up in vacant room in the 105, 182, 424 

said vacant room to be sold 105, 216 

overplus from sale to defray Town charges 10'.) 

pew-windows to be kept in repair by the Town 106 

new, to be built 395, 446 

permission given to cut 402 

plat to be levelled bj' a rate 460 

reward offered for the villain who tried to burn 454 

Singing Society allowed to make seats for themselves in 274, 284 

stoves introduced into 534 

vote to repair the 169, 171, 176 

vote to erect a steeple to the 2.J0 

men's stairs to be in the tower 2;'0 

height of steeple 231 

vote not to build a new Meeting-house 231 

vote to erect steeple, reconsideration of 231, 233, 234 

tower with proper top, to be built 232 

vote to build porch at the east end of 232 

money raised to defray the cost 2:13 



67G 



I 



Meeting-house, vote to repair south side of '. 171 

Committee to provide timber for window frames 173 

better road to, granted to inhabitants of North End 107, 115, 117 

record of said road. . „ 117 

money raised to pay for said road 119 

sheds built under conditions 475-550, passim 

certificate of sale of sites for 525 

Committee to see if it is in a condition to be enlarged 445 

their report in fixU 445 

work suspended 451 

money granted to J. Goddard to purchase more convenient way to 137 

old one to be pulled down , . . 474 

Committee to present an account of particulars 481 

dedication of new one 476 

windows granted to sundry persons 338 

Meeting-house in Roxbury, right of Muddy River in 639 

memorandum concerning 639 

Military company, drums, hats, etc., provided for the 429-519, passsim 

uniforms sold at auction 518 

Military duty. Committee to hire volunteers for 275 

Selectmen to procure money for the purpose 275 

Military preparations of the Town, Committee to examine ' 248 

Military service, claims for 276, 279, 284, 286 

Committee to solicit money for 299 

£1,500 per man ofiered for a limited time 300 

three silver dollars given by Mary Boylston 300 

Militia at alarm in April, 1775, account for supplies for, not paid 311, 318 

Militia of the Town to be called together July 18, ] 776 259 

eleven men detached from 422 

Mill Dam, action respecting the building of 508 

tax allowed to inhabitants on 552 

Milton, Committee to meet the Committee from 335 

Minister, Mr. James AUin chosen 107 

his salary and gratuities 107-161, passim 

ordination expenses, how defrayed 109 

ten cords of wood granted to him yearly 108 

Town raises sixty pounds to defray funeral charges of 162 

salary of, raised by equal rate on the inhabitants ,..109 

Mr. Cotton Bi-own chosen at church meeting 163 

Selectmen desired to call a Town meeting 164 

Town ratify the action of the church 164 

salary, five hundred pounds old tenour 164 

settlement, six hundred pounds 164 

Mr. Brown laid several proposals before the Town 165 

his settlement increased £400 166 

rise and fall of his salary to be determined by the Assessors 166 



G77 

Minister, Mr. Cotton Brown, Committoo to provide for or<lination 1G7 

Mr. Joseph .Iiick.son chosen by Church and Town ly2 

settlement and s ihiry |;)0 jriy 

twenty cords of woo I to be brouj^lit to his house 1'j3 1% 

Coniiuittee to see wood brougiit ;jlJl-40L', passim 

deticit in contribution to be made up to hiui 1<.)3 

copy of his answer to the church's invitation 1'J3 

charges of the ordination to be paid by rate l% 

Committee to provide for council ] ',17 

salary to be p.iid quarterly lljij 

contribation to be had Aveekly lyg 

allowance to, owing to high prices 272-413, passim 

Committee to consider his support 272-350, passim 

Copy of their reports 272-3r)0, passim 

funeral expenses of Mr. Jackson 421 

Mr. Nath. Potter chosen by Churcli and Town 181 

his salary and settlement 181 189 

charges of ordination defrayed by the Town 181 

vote to give him IG cords of wood annually 184 

vote not to give him 22 cords 188 

vote not to increase his salai-y : 188 

vote that he should not go on the expedition to Canada 185 

no consideration to him on account of higli prices 189 

four contributions as a present to him 189, 190 

deacons to regulate these contributions 189 

four additional cords of wood granted to him 189 

he remonstrates against the Town's action 189 

discharged from his pastoral relation 190,191 

Committee to know Mrs. Potter's mind on the settlement money. . .191 

Mrs. Potter's receipt 192 

Voted to raise £-30 to hire a 161 

Selectmen to hire a 1G2 

Town desires to hear some other besides Mr. Walley 1G3 

Mr. Samuel Haven chosen by Church and Town 170, 172 

salary fixed 173 

dispute on amount of his settlement 172 

Committee to wait upon Mr. Haven 173 

Mr, Stephen Badger chosen by Church and Town 174 

his salary and settlement. 174, 175 

Mr. Robert Rogerson chosen by Church and Town 176 

his salary and settlement 176, 177, 180 

he accepts the call 177 

mutual council deemed expedient > 179 

Mr. John Pierce cho.scn 414 

Committee to inform him of the Town's action 415 

ordination appointed 416. 419 

86 



678 

Minister, Mr. John Pierce, Committee to provide house and table 416, 417 

galleries to be propped up for ordination day 416 

allowance to, owing to extraordinary expenses 439, 453, 466, 482 

desired to lengthen the intermission 436 

copy of discourse on Washington, requested for publication 483 

money raised to pay his salai'y 4:26-510, passim 

salary increased 510, 584 

Town Treasurer to borrow $'500 to pay Mr. Pierce 416 

fund to support a Congregational 310 

£2,412 appropi'iated for said fund 311 

Ministers, Selectmen to provide three, to preach two Sabbaths each 163 

Selectmen to provide two, to preach two Sabbaths each 163 

Committee to procure 163 

Minister's lot in Needham given by Samuel White 184 

Committee to view 465 

copy of deed conveying said lot 201 

wood on to be sold 467 

taxes on the .' 308 

rates abated to sundry persons 245 

to be made separate from other rates 188 

manner of paying 188 

Ministerial house, provision for a 312, 313, 318, 322, 326 

lawsuit occasioned thereby, how carried on 326 

Minors and apprentices, rule for 69 

Minute men, vote not to have 252 

Moderator, first so called 36 

Moderatoi'S of Town Meeting 36-632, passim 

Money, delegates to a meeting at Concord relative to an attempt to appreciate 

our 286 

due from the town, paid in " hard money " 317 

due heirs of Thomas Griggs, raised by tax 329 

found by Rev. Mr. James Allin 645 

new obligations for depreciated, given by the Town 321 

Old Paper rate, settlement considered 345, 346 

Old Paper, United States notes given for, sold and proceeds paid to 

school treasurer 380 

raised to pay J. Goddard 329 

refunded from Boston (paid to her in 1686) 97,98 

sixty thousand pounds. Town's part accepted 134 

to pay soldiers, treasurer to borrow 286 

vote to hire 247, 288, 294 

Mount Wooliston, farms allotted at 13, 34 

Muddy River, allotments at, to sundry persons. See Allotments. 

and Cambridge bounds of 34, 40 

assessed for Alms and Work House 55 

bridge appointed to be made at 29 



679 

Muddy River, Constables of. 12-90, paasira 

cornfield fence at, to be made sufficient 34 

felling of wood at 12-14 

fence viewers of 33-00, passim 

field drivers 38, 39 

five hundred acres allotted for perpetual commonage 26, 77 

highway Surveyors of 28-00, passim 

land at, sold to sundry persons 25, 27 

men to manage the affairs of 8C 

Miles Tarne's suit for a lot of land at 80 

no more land to be granted at 2y 

not discharged from Boston 58 

petition for liberty to erect a school (1G86) 57, 77 

copy of answer to said petition 57, 77, SS 

petition to be a separate hamlet 62 

not granted 62 

petition to General Court to become a township 66, 78 

privilege granted to Edwai'd Miles 45 

rate assessed for cows keeping at 'J 

rates delivered to Constable of 43-59 passim 

school, motion for, referred to Selectmen 56 

school-master's salary, how raised 86, 87 

school-master to be paid from Town treasury 63 

Selectmen to manage the affairs of 86, 87, 88, 89, 90 

to submit candidates for offices 44, 61 

Town Clerks of 86, 87, 88, 89 

Tythingtnen of 63-89, passim 

way to, referred to Committee 56 

TVentworth Day's suit for lot of land at 30 

Neck, barren cattle to be kept away from 11 

disorderly wood cut upon 12 

fences to be made sufficient at the 10, 25, 28 

lauds on the, to be planted 10 

swine not suffei-ed to go at liberty on the 11 

Needham, Minister's lot in. See Minister^ s lot. 

Negro woman, widow Hill, allowance to 124 

North End inhabitants need better road to Meeting-house 107, 115, 117 

to mend highways as far as the Meeting-house 165 

Northern Army. See Army, The JVorihern. 

Officers, nomination of, at primary meetings 44, 48 

to be indemnified for loss from non-compliance with arbitrary acts 248 

Old Paper currency of the Town to be loaned 374 

United States notes given for, to be sold 380 

Orphans of J. Winchester, lands given to the 62 

Orthodox Minister, inhabitants manifest their minds on settling a (1700) 9o 



680 



Pall, black velvet, vote to get 203 

procured at Town's cost 100 

Paper dollars, 75, paid for one silver dollar 815 

Paper money, Committee to set value upon 815 

Parish, J. Harris not to separate from 466-407, passim 

Parish and Town, I'eport of Committee on interest of 598 

Parsonage repaired 476, 495 

Peppers account, allowance to J. Winchester upon 116 

Perambulators between Muddy River, Brookline, etc 32-610, passim 

Petition of the Hamlet of Muddy River for liberty to erect a school 57, 77 

to the General Court to become a separate township 66, 78 

Pews, forfeited by sundry persons 145, 426 

given up by sundry persons 244, 519 

of sundry persons, disposed of 147-426, passim 

provisions for new 146, 216, 226, 395 

right of choice in new house sold at auction 472 

selling of. Committee to consider the 336, 341 

sold to the highest bidder 259-475, passim 

proceeds applied to building school-house 395 

sundry persons ask for places to build 224, 340 

Piggott, wife of, forthwith sent to Muddy River 34 

Plan of the Town to be procured 404 

Planting, lands allotted for, to every able man and youth 10 

Poor, certificate of 616 

rate abated for medical service upon the 67 

restitution of wood to the 12 

allowance to those who keep the 116-402, passim 

to go to those who will keep them cheapest 218, 220 

Poorer inhabitants shall have ground allotted to them 13 

have liberty to plant at Muddy River 14 

Possessions, Book of 72 

Post erected to put punishments on 97 

Pound, Committee on building a new 116, 118, 120 

Committee on procuring deed of land for a 103, 120 

Constable ordered to build a new 48 

erected by Samuel White, accepted 161 

kept by Elizabeth Jones 69 

new, to be erected on spot of the old one Ill 

request that it be moved 431 

voted to be erected (1701) 88 

to be erected where Selectmen appoint 89 

Committee to examine 365, 378 

their report 386 

to be built in lower part of the Town 488 

Powder and ammunition, \e\j to procure 98-163, jjassira 

to be sold 334 



G81 



Preachers, Selectmen to provide 10;j, 174 

I'lTdching, levy to procure lCi3, 174 

rrecincts, school, fixed by the Town 107, H;2 

schools therein, paid for by people therein 122 

I'lices to be set on all cattle 13 

L'lovince rate (1738) 04',) 

tax and overplus ( 1 740) GoO 

tax to be paiil to Receiver General 250 

borrowed by Selectmen 200 

Pi'ovincial Congress to be held at Concoi'd, instructions to the Represen- 
tative to 249 

two delegates to act with the Representative 249 

to l)c held at Watertown, delegate to 253 

Public meeting, foi'feit for disturbing 12 

Pullen Point Neck, house for cattle built at 11 

Pulpit, Committee on supply of the 172-413, passim 

money raised for the supply of the 171, 180 



Rate of David Damon not abated 272 

Rated by mistake, boy's head 116 

Rate paid to Boston in 1686, to be repaid to Selectmen 97, 98 

Rates abated to sundry persons 120, 247, 272 

Rates for country and Town occasions 43-57, passim 

Rates paid in manufacturing money 153 

Rates, persons to be restrained for non-payment of. 2H8 

Recoi'ds (old) to be copied 425 

Refugees in Boston, measures to secure incomes of 254 

Regiments of Brookline and Boston, difficulty about the rank of 422, 427 

Relief to Boston and Charlestown by subscription 251, 252 

Rents, rate to defray charges on 207 

Representative in the General Assembly of the Colony 255 

Representatives in the General Court 95-610, passim 

Committee to give instructions to 223, 235, 241, 249 

fine for not sending, how disposed of 344 

grant to, for service 96, 97 

how paid 152, 153 

such a poor little Town declines sending 101 

thanks given to the 241 

to oppose a grant to John Green 295 

vote not to send 102-320, passim 

Representatives to Great and General Assembly at Boston 266 

at Watertown 265 

to convention at Cambridge 287 

at Concord 286 

Rhode Island and West Point, measui'cs for raising men to go to 316 



682 

Rights of Colonists. See Colonists. 

efiforts to recover invaded 247 

Roads. See Highways. 

Roxbury and Boston, bounds between 61 

Sabbath day, horses not to be I'idden about the Common to water, on 61 

Sabbath days. Minister's entertainment on, at Town's cost 107 

School and Representative, levy for 98 

at Muddy River, motion for a 56 

at three parts of the Town, ten pounds for keeping 101 

Committee 136-632, passim 

new bond for principal and interest due to 328 

Deer Island to be improved to maintain a free 31 

farm, petition for land for a 150 

fund, trustees of 632, 635 

grammar school, continuance of 214-488, passim 

iron stove for. 279 

money drawn from treasury by south part of the Town 338 

rates remitted to the poor 86 

report required 542, 611 

School-houses, distances between, and location of 131, 393 

Committees for erecting and repairing 134-230, passim 

Committee to find most convenient spot for 155, 374 

erection and repairing of 131-593, passim 

for Middle District, Town aid in erecting 229 

gift from William Hj'slop for 391 

lauds bought and given for 134, 159, 276 ~ 

number of 96, 131, 134 

rates for building and repairing 84-374, passim 

request that the West School-house be moved 432 

sold at auction 256 

south part of Town given liberty to build 100, 197, 221 

to be kept for a school-house and no other use 199 

School precincts, fixed by the Town 107, 122 

Schools, children from other Towns not to be admitted into 306, 368 

Committee to consider schools and school-houses 369 

Committee to bring them into some good method 130 

Committee to measure the Town, to find distances 131, 133 

number and places of 130, 329, 334 

in precincts paid for by people therein 122 

J. Shedd has liberty to send children to, conditionally 162 

levy for the support of 90-158, passim 

location and number of 122-223, passim 

no rate for maintaining to be abated 333, 336 

regulatetl by Committee and Selectmen 548 

south part of the Town maintain their own 197 



683 

Schools, to be examined 379 

vote that there should be trustees to manage the affairs of 122 

young children to be admitted into the 6-18 

School-masters and dames, employment of OG-l(Jl, passim 

Seal for weights and measures, letters of to be B. L 114 

Sealers of leather 102-5.3G, passim 

Scalers of weights and measures 114-lo'j, passim 

Secret Expedition, bounty to volunteers upon 273 

failure of the, to be inquired into 273 

Selectmen of Brookline 92-032, passim 

of Muddy River 80-00, passim 

diet, beer and fire for 31, 32 

instructions drawn up for 68 

number of, determined 92-375, passim 

reasonable expenses of, allowed 308 

to assist Constable in collecting Town rates 170 

to examine the rates of sundry persons 340 

Sherburne road, highway to, from road to Drew's saw-mill 110 

Ships, petition against merchants arming their 425 

Silver dollar in tax worth seventy-five paper ones 307 

Singing school, expenses of, paid by the Town 438-580, passim 

Society, seats for the 274 

Sixty tliousand pounds, acceptance of the Town's part of 134 

appointment of trustees thereof 134 

sum to be let to any one man 134 

Small-pox, Committee to prepare a place for those infectious with 254, 255 

Dr. Aspinwall not allowed to use his house for 280 

is allowed to erect a hospital 362, 363 

hospitals on Sewall's point for, damage from 272 

for inoculation for 275, 390 

petition to discontinue them ' 281 

inoculation encouraged 367-301, passim 

Soldiers, Committee to hire 259-353, passim 

Committee to hire money to raise eleven 353 

every inhabitant authorized to hire 305 

inhabitants retain part of rate for hiring 310 

ot Continental army exempt from poll-tax 255 

papers relative to mileage, desired 205 

premium for hiring 306 

£750 raised by tax for hiring 303 

wages paid to, fixed 307 

Snow to be removed or trodden down in the roads 587 

Stocks, vote to provide 233 

Strangers not entertained above 14 days without leave 14 

Stray animals taken up by sundry persons 75-659, passim 

Streets in Boston first named m 1701 62 



684 

Styles and gates made at public cost 11 

SufiFolk County, Yote for division 129, 140 

Surplus revenue, amount and appropriation of 627, 628, 634 

Survey of the Town ordered 131,133 

Surveyors of boards and shingles 232-399, passim 

of hemp and flax 142, 144, 145, 149 

of highways 33-632, passim 

neglect to warn inhabitants 342 

of wood 225-434, passim 

Swine to be cloistered 11-213, passim 

to i*un at large 117-196, passim 

Swineherd. See Field drivers. 

Tax abated to sundry persons 67-199, passim 

abatement if paid in money 55, 57, 59 

and overplus, province (1740) 650 

Committee to wait on General Court for abatement of 200 

received in Old Money 312 

suits for abatement of 207 

Taxes, copy of report on collecting 591 

Tea of the East India Company 242 

Teacher, Mr. .John Cotton, allotment to 13 

Tender Act, Town approve the repeal of 309 

Thanks to Mary Boylston for three silver dollars 300 

Timber on common land granted to sundry persons 45, 51, 96 

Tithingmen of Brookline 92-434, passim 

of Muddy River 53-89, passim 

Tools purchased for use on highways 388 

Town, three men to find the centre of 133 

charges, defrayed by two assessments 285 

money raised to defray 95-632, passim 

Town Clerks of Brookline 92-632, passim 

of Muddy River 86, 87, 88, 89 

remuneration to, for service Ill, 885 

Town debts on interest, rate to discharge 408 

Town House, question of building a, considered 553 

dedicated 556 

Town Meetings, business when to begin 805 

no alterations in ways of doing business, without previous consideration. . 39 

notifications to be delivered from house to house 521, 579 

postponed to find debt and credit of the Town 127 

on account of J. Gridley's indisposition 216 

times when to be held 521 

Town, pecuniary affairs of the, statement 628 

Town Treasurer to govern himself by votes of the Town 367 

Town Treasurers 94-632, 



Gsr> 

Town Treasurers, compensation allowed to 176, 18C, 358 

no compensation allowed to. ." IIG, 188 

thanks given to '2'.\\^ 372 

Townsmen, Constables to pay for diet for 31 , 32 

fix wages for public work 31 

Toy Mountain to be called Boston 9 

Tree, (Buttonwood) near old Meeting-house yard cut down 4 70 

Trees felled on places for private allotments 14 

damage to be demanded for injury to 439' 

on Common ground not to be felled 46 

on highways to be taken care of by Surveyors 439 

set out round the new Meeting-house 476 

Trustees of the Town's part of the £IJO,000 134 

Turnpike Corporation, Committee to oppose petition of 583 

Turnpike through the Town from IloUiston, remonstrance against 5C1 

railing to be built along the 638 

to Worcester. See Worcester Turnpike. 

Valuation of estates, attested copy of, to be procured 200 

of the Town to be taken 378, 409 

Committee of valuation how to be governed 380 

to be taken for raising £25,000 .' 310 

Victualling houses not to be kept without license 14 

Victuals, prices to be set on all 13 

Volunteer Company encouraged .251 

Volunteers into the Continental service offered a bounty 256, 260, 261, 262 

Committee to solicit 256, 260, 279 

to fortify the Harbor of Boston 514 

Wages on public work fixed by Townsmen 31 

workmen's, prices to be set on all 13 

War, mUitary pi-eparations for, Committee to examine 248 

Wardens 198-317, passim 

Warned out of Brookline, sundry persons 269-657, passim 

Washington, George, respect for the memory of, testified 432, 433 

Waste lands. See Common Lands. 

Watertown Mill, highway laid out to 35, 37 

Way to each one's allotment granted 14, 68 

Ways. See Hujhways. 

Weighers of Bread 355, 360, 364 

West Point and Rhode Island, measures for raising men to go to 316 

Western expedition, soldiers raised for the 353 

their pay voted 355 

Wife of Christopher Peggott sent to Muddy River 34 

Will of Edward Devotion, copy of 660 

87 



Wood at Hogg's Island not to be felled 9 

at Muddy River not to be felled, except 12, 14 

disorderly, cut on the Neck 12 

granted to sundry persons 43, 48, 51 

restitution of, to the poor 12 

Woodland, Committee on the mode of taxing 402 

their report 403 

complaints about taxes on 406 

petition of C. Craft in regard to 407 

Wood lot, for the benefit of the Town to be looked for 145 

in Needham given to the Town by Samuel White 199 

copy of deed 201 

Selectmen to review the bounds 208, 618 

to be examined by Committee 560 

sold at auction 636 

Worcester turnpike. Committee to agree with agents of 478, 584 

Committee to see the contract fulfilled in good faith 565 

repaired by money given by corporation, 586 



INDEX TO NAMES. 



Abbot, Mary 384 

Abrams, Elizabeth 384 

Ackers, John 66-144, passim 

Ackers, John, ji- 80 

Ackers, William 80-649, passim 

Adams, Charles 400 

Adams, Daniel 647, 648 

Adams, John 319, 502, 541 

Adams, John Quincy 595 

Adams, Joseph 94-149, passim 

Adams, Roger 56-92, passim 

Adams, Samuel 300-414, passim 

Adams, Thomas B 461, 477, 514 

Addleton, Abiall 651 

Addleton, Jerusha 651 

Addleton, Joseph 651 

Addleton, Mathew 651 

Addington, Isaac 79, 81, 84, 91 

Alcock, Thomas 16, 45 

Alden, Solomon 418, 437 

Allard, Peter 136, 140 

Allen, Bezoun 60, 66, 71, 83 

Allen, Henry 54, 68, 379 

Allen, Isaac 432 

Allen, Joseph 460 

Allen, Obed 575, 584 

Allen, Phineas 569 

Allen, Samuel C 620 

Allen, Thomas 56 

Allin, Rev. James 107-162, passim 

Ames, Fisher 363-464, passim 

Ames, John W 549 

Ames, Nathaniel 430, 471 

Amory, Rufus G 555, 556, 559 

Amsdel, Jason 269 



Amsdel, Susanna 269 

Andrus, John 256 

Angier, John 78 

Appleton, Samuel 620 

Armstrong, Samuel T. . .584-619, passim 

Arne, Azor 390 

Arnold, Joseph 533 

Aronsby, Edmund 24 

Arratt, John 15, 22 

Asor, John 46 

Aspinwall, Augustus . .561-597, passim 

Aspinwall, Caleb 329 

Aspinwall, Eleazer 80, 92, 93 

Aspinwall, John 405-519, passim 

Aspinwall, Peter 33-51, passim 

Aspinwall, Samuel 59-i;56, passim 

Aspinwall, Thomas . . . .120-523, passim 
Aspinwall, Thomas, jr. .206-228, passim 

Aspinwall, William 12-599, passim 

Aspinwall, William, jr 506-508 

Atherton, Henry 478-503, passim 

Atkinson, Theodore 28, 37 

Audlin, John. See Odlyn, John. 

Austin, Benjamin 301-638, passim 

Austin, Benjamin, jr 390, 394 

Austin, Sanuu'l 301 

Austin, William 569 

.\yers, Ebenezer 385-418, passim 

Ayers, John 54 

Babcock, Adam 524 

Babcock, George 574 

Babcock, Rufus 561, 667 

Baccus, Susanna 384 

Bacon, David 641 



688 



Bacon, Ebenezer 460 

Bacon, John 430, 460 

Badger, Rev. Stephen 174, 175 

Bailey, Nathaniel 430 

Bailies, William 554 

Baily, John 549-609, passim 

Baker, Catherine 511 

Baker, Eleazer 222-429, passim 

Baker, Preserved 442 

Baker, Thomas 647, 650 

Baker, Walter 021 

Baker, WilHam 515, 607 

Baldwin, Laommi 620 

Balstone, William 10-16, passim 

Banner, Peter 463 

Barker, Joseph 502 

Barnard, Hezekiah 554 

Barnes, James 61 

Barret, Rachel 651 

Barret, Samuel 376 

Barstow, Gideon 585 

Bartlett, Baily 460, 469 

Bartlett, Ebenezer 245-657, passim 

Bartlett, Elizabeth 654 

Bartlett, James 571 

Bartlett, John 654 

Bartlett, Longley 654 

Barton, Perley 585 

Bass, Benjamin 618 

Bass, John 582-632. passim 

Bass, Samuel 444-545, passim 

Bates, Isaac C 620 

Baulam, Stephen 484 

Baxter, John 440, 454, 471 

Baytes, Edward 25 

Baytes, George 20, 21, 23 

Beamsley, William 17, 33, 72, 73 

Bearstowe, George .59, 60, 61 

Becke, Alexander 17-73, passim 

Belchar, Edward 11, 15 

Belcher, Deborah 276 

Belcher, Elizabeth 276 

Belcher, Hannah 276 

Belcher, Inglis 276 

Belcher, James 276 

Belcher, Joanna 276 



Belcher, Joseph 276 

Belcher, Joseph, jr 276 

Belcher, Lydia 276 

Belcher, Martha 276 

Belcher, Martin 276 

Belcher, Sarah 276 

Belcher, William. 276 

Belknap, Esther 656 

Bell, Thomas 169, 189 

Bellesous, Charles 657 

Bellesous, Hannah 657 

Bellesous, Joseph 657 

Bellesous, Lideven 657 

Bellesous, Mary 657 

Bellesous, Peggy 657 

Bellesous, Susanna 657 

Bellingham, Richard 10-77, passim 

Bemis, Joseph 480-532, passim 

Bendall, Edward 21, 22, 72 

Bendall,F 75 

Benjamin, Daniel 654 

Benjamin, Daniel, jr 654 

Benjamin, Elizabeth 654 

Benjamin, Mary 654 

Bennet, John 54, 64 

Bigelow, Timothy 470, 479 

Biggs, John 17-72, passim 

Bird, Ebenezer 383 

Biscoe, William 31 

Blackstone, William 9, 21 

Blake, Ebenezer 615, 621 

Blanchard, Davis 637 

Blanchai-d, Francis 185-225, passim 

Blaney, William 272 

Blanton, William 27 

Boning, John 647, 650 

Bonner, John 63 

Boston, William 11 

Bourne, Jarratt 17, 23, 28, 32, 33 

Bowdoin, James . .» 300-459, passim 

Bowen, Griffin 25, 73 

Bowen, Henry 50-75, passim 

Bowen, Mary 215, 216, 279 

Bowles, William 225, 228, 232 

Bowman, Susanna 655 

Boyden, Seth 575, 579 



6P9 



Boyles, Dr 231 

Knylstun, Benjamin. .i;'/2, 139, 140, 141 

lylston, Duillcy 101-647, passim 

>yIston, John 'J15 

lylston, Joshua lG'.t-342, passim 

lylston, Mary 252-800, passim 

.ylston, Nicholas 2150, 404 

Boylston, Peter 65-153, passim 

I'mylston, Ricliard 162, 168 

IS'iylston, Thomas 46-230, passim 

Boylston, Zahdiel 147-220, passim 

Hrarllcy, Bt-njainin 4'.'5-585, passim 

IJrattle, Thomas 39-69, passim 

Breed, William B 585 

Brenton, William 9-34, passim 

Brewer, Darius 584 

Brewer, Stephen 184 

Brewei-, William 484, 515, 516 

Bribner, George 384 

Bridge, Anna 654 

Bridge, Anna, 2d 654 

Bridge, Benjamin 199, 654 

Bridge, Jeremiah 654 

Bridgham, Joseph 66 

Briscoe, William 32, 74 

Brooks, Eleazer 390, 460 

Brooks, John 522-544, passim 

Brooks, Nathan 585 

Brooks, Thomas 240 

Broughton, Thomas 36 

Brown, Cotton 163, 164, 165, 166 

Brown, Elizabeth 653 

Brown, Enoch 653 

Brown, Joseph 271 

Brown, Josiah 142-647, passim 

Brown, Mary 653 

Brown, Mary, 2d 653 

Brown, Samuel 634 

Brown, Sarah 384 

Brown, Sussinna 653 

Brown, Thomas 653 

Brown, William H 541, 544, 546 

Browne, Edward 16, 19, 22 

Brownell, Nathan C 620 

Brownell, Silvester 500, 505 

Buckmastcr, Jabesh 56 



Buckmast«r, Joseph . ..43, 82, 68, 60, 62 
Biickminster, Joseph . . . .63, 64, 65, 87 

Bugbec, Samuel 556 

Bulgar, Richard 16, 19, 20 

BuUard, Isaac 400-642, passim 

BuUard, John 487-632, passim 

Bullard, Seth 401-444, pas.sim 

Bullivant, Benjamin 78, 86 

Bung, (negro) 276 

Burbank, Moses Oil 

Burchall, Henry 21, 22 

Burden, Robert 74 

Burton, John 268 

Bushnall. Francis 20, 22 

Buston, William 9 

Butler, John 268 

Buttles, Leonard 27 

Byers, James 585 

Cabot, George 404 

Campbell, Daniel 283, 333 

Campbell, John 571 

Campbell, Josiah 283 

Campbell, Lucy 283 

Campbell, Mary 283 

Campbell, Mary, 2d 283 

Campbell, Sarah 283 

Campbell, William 283-333, passim 

Carnes, John 456, 458, 459 

Carter, Richard 73, 74 

Cary, Humphrey 68 

Gary, Sarah 657 

Caryl, A 547 

Case, Eliphalet 585 

Caswell, Joseph 271 

Chaffee, John 585 

Chamberlain, Abraham. .80-142, passim 

Chamberlain, Edward 54 

Chamberlain, Elizabeth 228, 279 

C-hamberlain, Thomas 641, 648 

Champney, Downing 640 

Champney, Erastus 498, 538, 550 

Champney, John 607 

Chandler, Nathan 569 

Chandler, Zachariah 164, 157 

Chapin, Harvey 620 



690 



Checkly, Samuel 60, 71, 163 

Cheesbrough, William 9, 10, 11 

Child, Aaron 223-523, passim 

Child, Benjamin 36 

Child, Daniel 307, 317. 324, 349 

Child, Edward 643 

Child, Elijah 364-539, passim 

Child, Elizabeth 655 

Child, Harris 498 

Child, Isaac 102-512, passim 

Child, Isaac, jr 168, 185, 203 

Child, Joseph 310 

Child, Joshua 59-167, passim 

Child, Joshua, jr 101, 121 

Child, Phineas 466 

Child, Samuel 655 

Child, Solomon 333-448, passim 

Child, Stephen 515, 607 

Child, Timothy H .517-561, passim 

Choat, Rebecca 654 

Chub, Frances 654 

Clark, Abigail 651 

Clark, Caleb 520-625, passim 

Clark, Elizabeth 435, 651 

Clark, Hugh 43 

Clark, James 43, 661 

Clark, Jeremiah 268 

Clark, John 53 

Clark, John C 617 

Clark, Joshua C 462-632, passim 

Clark, Lucy 651 

Clark, Mary 651 

Clark, Oriall 54 

Clark, Priscilla 651 

Clark, Richard 243 

Clark, Samuel 60-528, passim 

Clark, Samuel, jr 108-196, passim 

Clark, Thomas 37-376, passim 

Clark, Uriah 52, 53, 55, 58 

Clark, Widow 76 

Clifford, Simeon 597 

Cobb, Daniel 484, 488, 492 

Cobb, David 460 

Cobbit, John 68 

Coburn, John 253-314, passim 

Coburn, Joseph 240, 245, 253 



Coddington, William 10, 13 

Coffin, John 543 

Coffin, Susanna 655 

Cogan, John 10, 27, 77 

Coggshall, John 14, 15, 16, 19 

Colborne, William 10-77, passim 

Colby, Daniel 601, 602 

Cole, Samuel 34 

Collier, Robert 651 

Comey, Jonathan 656 

Commack, James 657 

Cone, Ann 656 

Cone, Jacob 656 

Cone, John 656 

Conell, Edward, 40, 43 

Cony, Philip, 159, 653 

Cook, Benjamin 658 

Cook, Benjamin, jr 658 

Cook, Elisha 66, 69, 81 

Cook, Elisha 658 

Cook, Isaac 522-607, passim 

Cook, Isaac 567 

Cook, Lydia 658 

Cook, Lydia. 2d 658 

Coolidge, David 517-659, passim 

Cooper, William 658 

Corbett, Thomas 140 

Corbett, Widow 142 

Corbin, Clement. 46 

Corey, Aaron 546, 547 

Corey, Elijah 423-632, passim 

Corey, Elijah, jr 547-622, passim 

Corey Enoch 348, 361 

Corey, John 355-448, passim 

Corey, Joseph 355 

Corey, Timothy 245-625, passim 

Corey, Timothy, jr 477, 486 

Cotton, John 10-100, passim 

Cotton, Rowland 117 

Cotton, Thomas 108-150, passim 

Courser, AVilliam 21, 30 

Cowell, Edward 37 

Coxall, John 9 

Craft, Caleb 214-632, passim 

Craft, Caleb, jr 501-622, passim 

Craft, Ebenezer 205, 608 



091 



Craft, George 622 

Craft, Griffiu 43 

Craft, Mary 233 

Craft, Moses 46 

Craft, Nathun 384 

Craft, Natlianiel 642 

Craft, Samuel 62-582, jjassim 

Craft, Susanna 523 

Crafts, Thomas, 3-50-3'.t5, passim 

Craine, John 32 

Gramme, John 17, 23 

Cranch, Richard 311-407, passim 

Crane, David 484 

Crane, Elijah 454-600, passim 

Crane, Ezekiel 268 

Cranwell, John 20, 21 

Crocker, Samuel 500, 505 

Crocukus, Widow 68 

Croft, Caleb 285-388, passim 

Croft, Samuel 158-502, passim 

Crowninshield, B. AV 532, 536, 541 

Cummings, Mary 653 

Cummings, Thomas 653 

Curtis, George 26 

Curtis, Joseph 276, 515, 607 

Cushiug, Abel 517-632, passim 

Cushing, Charles 31 U, 356 

Cushiug, Edward 554 

Cushing, Thomas 301-356, passim 

Cushing, William 401 

Cutler Benjamin F 582-507, passim 

Dagget, Elisha jr 56U 

Damon, David 272 

Dana, Anna 523 

Dana, Daniel ltO-425, passim 

Dana, David I'JS 

Dana, Jonathan 278-523, passim 

Dana, Stephen 511, 612 

Dana, Theophilus 624 

Darrcll, William 330 

Dascombe, Daniel 423, 448, 462 

Davis, Aaron 470, 480 

Davis, Ambrose 58 

Davis, Benjamin 53-628, passim 

Davis, Benjamin B 526, 579 



Davis, Caleb. . ._ 301-387, passim 

Davis, Ebenezer 155, 448, passim 

Davis, Elizabetlv, 408, 411, 528 

Davis, Henry 51 , lO'J 

Davis, Increase S 536 

Davis, Isaac P 507, 607, 614 

Davis, James 20, 138 

Davis, John 28-021, passim 

Davis, Jonathan 554 

Davis, Joseph 51-96, passim 

Davis, Joshua 185-207, passim 

Davis, Lucy 611 

Davis, Nchemiah 149-411, paasim 

Davis, Robert S 486-573, passim 

Davis, Samuel -220 

Davis, Samuel C 582 

Davis, Sarah 2y'J-331, passim 

Davis, William 32-291, passim 

Dawes, John 68 

Dawes, Thomas 361-394, passim 

Day, Samuel 488, 492, 4^6 

Day, Wentworth 30 

Dean, Jesse 267 

Dean, John 373,376 

Dean, Josiah 459 

Dearborn, A. S 575-597, passim 

Dearborn, Henry 530 

Dearborn, William 605, 628 

De Coster, John 4y8, 519 

Deming, William 22 

Descom, Daniel 399 

Devotion, Ebenezer 06O 

Devotion, Edward 32-206, passim 

Devotion, John 56-89, passim 

Devotion, Mary GOO, 662 

Dexter, Samuel 342-522, passim 

Dimmuck, Braddock 569 

Dominge, William 16 

Doolittle, John 33 

Dorman, Martha 68 

Downer, Eliphalet 223, 254, 255 

Dowse, Dana 533 

Dowse, Eilward 534 

Drew, Erasmus 60, 1U7, 640 

Di-ew, Erosamond 94-040, passim 

Druce, John 60-160, passim 



692 



Druce, Obediah 169-210, passim 

Drury, John 569 

Ducit, Ann 657 

Ducit, Charles 657 

Ducit, Joseph 657 

Ducit, Joseph, jr 657 

Ducit, Mary 657 

Duck, Benjamin 333 

Dudley, Joseph 57-110, passim 

Dudley, Samuel 524 

DuGar, Daniel 657 

DuGar, Felicity 657 

DuGar, Glode 657 

DuGar, Hannah 657 

DuGar, Joseph 657 

DuGar, Lecily 657 

DuGar, Mary 657 

DuGar, Peggy 657 

Dunbar, Elijah 356, 361, 366 

Dunlap, George 268 

Dunn, John 624 

Dunster, Henry 333 

Dunster, Isaiah 383 

Dustin, John 622,632 

Dyer, Christopher. . . . 129, 135, 138, 143 
Dyneley, William 19 

Eads, Peter 201 

Easson, William 136 

Eddy, Caleb 620 

Eddy, Zachariah 585 

Eldrige, Stephen 268 

Eliott, Asaph 54 

Eliott, Goodman 28 

Eliott, Jacob 14-77, passim 

Eliott, Joseph 58, 60, 61 

Elkyn, Henry 20, 22 

Ellis, Amasa 420, 421, 429, 462 

Ellis, Andrew 283 

Ellis, John 93-470, passim 

Ellis, Luther 637 

Ellis, Thomas 645 

Ellis, William 559-637, passim 

Ellsworth, John 503-566, passim 

Emery, Ralph 557 

Emery, William 664 



Endicott, John 530-595, passim 

Estabrooks, Samuel. .383, 437, 477, 481 

Eustis, Jacob 599, 602 

Eustis, William 436-551, passim 

Everett, Alexander 621, 632 

Everett, Edward 615, 621, 631 

Everett, Moses 465 

Everett, Oliver 411-448, passim 

Exeter, (negro) 305 

Fairbancke, Richard 12, 20, 22, 25 

Fane, Henry 74 

Fareweather, J ohn 56 

Farley, John 460 

Farrar, Abigail 384, 655, 656 

Farrar, Abigail, 2d 657 

Farrar, Jacob 655 

Farrar, Jerusha 655 

Farrar, Mary 655, 656 

Farrar, Nathan 655 

Farwell, Abraham 469, 493 

Feltch, Widow 68 

Ferfield, Daniel 61 

J-'ield, A 547, 650, 565 

Fillebrown, Abigail 667 

Fillebrown, Anna 657 

Fillebrown, John 667 

Fillebrown, Louis 657 

Fillebrown, Sarah 657 

Fillebrown, Sarah, 2d 657 

Fillebrown, Thomas. 460 

Fillebrown, Thomas 657 

Fillebrown, William 657 

Fisher, Ebenezer 480, 484 

Fisher, Jabez 301-363, passim 

Fisher, J eremiah 201 

Fisher, Lewis 545-637, passim 

Fisher, Lieutenant 34 

Fisher, Mr. (Teacher) 463 

Fisk, D. W 596 

Fisk, Josiah J 548, 651, 559, 563 

Fitch, James 18, 19 

Fitch, Joseph 620 

Fitch, Richard 18, 19 

Flax, Cotton 32 

Fletcher, Edward 29 



093 



Flint, Thomas 16 

Floyd, Marshal 5C6 

Ford, Enos ..64G, 578, G17 

Ford, James 607, oi^l, 642, 6-4G 

Ford, Joseph 546, 648, 500 

Forward, James M 5G9 

F'oster, Andrew B 536 

F'oster, Edmund . . . .' 554 ' 

Foster, Edward 611 ! 

Foster, Enos 554 

Foster, Lemuel 606 

Foster, Robert 52'J 

Foster, Susanna G5G 

Foster, William 615, 621, G31 

Fowle, Samuel 550 

Fowler, James 696 

Fox, Thomas 38 

Frary, Theophilus 39-64, passim 

Fraylie, Theophilus 48, 4'J 

Frazer, John 490 

Frazer, Joseph 622, 623 

Freeman, Sarah 656 ; 

French, Asa 614 j 

French. Thomas 568 631, passim 

Frost, Joshua 569 

Fuller, Samuel 330 

Fuller, S. P 657 

Fuller, Timothy 584 

Gadcomb, (Gatcomb) Mary 196-205 

Gamblin, Benjamin ". . .61, 62 

Gardiner, Thomas 34, 45, 47 

Gardner, Addington. . .114-128, passim 

Gardner, Andrew 54-86, passim 

Gardner, Benjamin. . . .120-331, passim 

Gardner, Caleb 80-653, pa,ssim 

Gardner, Caleb, jr 96-118, passim 

Gardner, Elisha 173 341, passim 

Gardner, Henry 250, 656 

Gardner, Isaac 101-208, passim 

Gardner, Isaac, jr 172-348, passim 

Gardner, Isaac S 352-659, passim 

Gardner, Joseph 60-485, passim 

Gardner, Joshua 59-646, passim 

Gardner, Nathaniel 149, 159 

Gardner, Peter, jr 102, 116, 123 



Gardner, Uichard 120 

Gardner, Samuel 180-227, paesim 

Gardner, Samuel S 637 

Gardner, Solomon 149-650, passini 

Gardner, Stephen R 686 

Gardner, Thomas 30-120, passim 

Gai-dner, Thomas, jr 53-102, passim 

Gardner, Thouiaa, od 96 

Gates, Amos 90-045, passim 

Gates, Lyman 60-00, passim 

Gates, Ifidow 63i> 

Gay, Timothy 335 

George ( Indian ) 75 

Gerry, Elbridge 327-500, passim 

Gerry, Franklin 538 

Gibbous, Edward 27, 77 

Gidney, Bartholomew. 57, 77, 85 

Gilbert, Elid 669 

Gill, Moses 401-435, passim 

Gills, Daniel 465 

Gillum, Benjamin 28 

Gleason, Isaac 102 

Gleason, Samuel 163-652, passim 

Gleason, AVilliam 96-161, passim 

Glover, John 68 

Goddard, A. W 564-632, passini 

Goddard, Benjamin. . . .602-636, passim 

Goddard, John 128-668, passim 

Goddard, John, jr 182 

Goddard, Joseph 102-635, passim 

Goddard, Nathaniel 661 

Goddard, Sarah 649 

God.lard, Thomas 461 

Goff, Zebulon 651 

Gold, Edward 68 

Goldthwait, Jacob 384 

Goldthwait, Lot 384 

Gooch, John 644 

Gooch, William 494, 605 

Goodenow, Phineas 625 

Goodhue, Benjamin 390, 460 

Goodrich, Samuel 681 

Gordon, John 144 

Gordon, William 301 

Gore, Christopher 483, 488, 492, 495 

Gore, John 76 



694 



I 



Gould, John 507 

Goultrop, Ralph 73 

Gray, Francis C 552 

Gray, William 492-554, passim 

Great, David 75 

Greele, Samuel 619 

Greely, Joseph 650 

Green, John 295 

Greene, Sarah 656 

Greenleaf, Thomas 495-551, passim 

Greenough, David S. ...424-563, passim 

Greenwood, John 641 

Greenwood, Nathaniel 54 

Gridley, Jeremiah 180-217, passim 

Gridley, Samuel 643 

Griffin, Samuel 643, 661 

Griffin, Widow 48 

Griggs, David R 606, 615, 628, 659 

Griggs, George 18- 197, passim 

Griggs, Ichabod 62 

Griggs, James 115-160, passim 

Grigss, John 295 

Griggs, Joseph 76-489, passim 

Griggs, Joshua 348-535, passim 

Griggs, Nathaniel 207-317, passim 

Griggs, Samuel 283-642, passim 

Griggs, Thomas 206-633, passim 

Grinnell, Cornelius 585 

Griswold, Cornelius 554 

Grosse, Edward 28 

Grosse, Isaac 15, 22 

Grover, Jno 36 

Grubb, Edward 10, 28 

Grubb, Thomas 25, 28, 72, 73 

Guild, Benjamin 563, 564 

Guild, John 597 

Guild, William 583 

Hale, Rev. Mr 163 

Hale, William 461 

Hall, Edward 520-634, passim 

Hall, Jacob 585 

Hallett, Benjamin 585 

Halsey, James 58 

Hambleton, John 268 

Hambleton, William 68 



Hammond, Beulah 656 

Hammond, Isaac 550, 641 

Hammond, .John 648 

Hammond, John, jr 654 

Hammond, Jonathan. . .403-535, passim 

Hammond, Lydia 654 

Hammond, Mary 649 

Hammond, Nathaniel 641, 642 

Hammond, Peter 649 

Hammond, Samuel. ..525, 526, 533, 553 

Hammond, Thomas 640 

Hammond, Thomas, jr 641 

Hancock, John 300-394, passim 

Hancs, Benjamin 405 

Harback, Thomas 433 

Harding, Robert 16 

Harker, Anthony 18 

Harrington, Joseph 513 

Harrington, Justus 257 

Harrington, Rev. Mr 163 

Harris, Benjamin 454, 462 

Hathorn, John 459 

Haven, Samuel 170-465 passim 

Havendish, Mary 655 

Hawes, George 584, 595, 609 

Hawes, Joseph.. .581, 584, 595, 614, 637 

Hawkins, (Indian) 75 

Hawks, Elkanah 376 

Hayden, A 531 

Hayden, John 562-633, passim 

Hayden, Joseph 251, 619 

Haynes, Clark 612, 616 

Haynes, John 495 

Hazzard, Joseph ^ 654 

Hazzard, Lois 654 

Hazzard, Thomas 500, 505 

Healy, Aaron 196, 198 

Healy, Nathan 187, 640 

Heath, Ebenezer 375-635, passim 

Heath, Elias 640 

Heath, Isaac 75 

Heath, James. 519 

Heath, John 203-458, passim 

Heath, Joseph 505, 510 

Heath, Prudence 384 

Heath, William 341-602, passim 



695 



Heaton, Nathaniel 18, 19 

Henshaw, David oGO 

Henshaw, Joshua 277-379, passim 

Hersey, Stephen '. 364, 369 

Hibbins, William. ...... .20-77, pa.ssim 

Hide, Arby 533 

Hide, Gershoni 267 

Hide, John 642 

Hide, Jonathan CJ^o 

Hide, Tliaddeus 290, 317, 376, 393 

Hides, Eloazer 640 

Higby, Christopher 268 

Higginson, Stephen 428, 467, 533 

Hill, Nathaniel 159, 648 

Hill, Solomon 140-359, passim 

Hill, Widoio 124 

Hills, Samuel 625, 626, 632, 636 

Hilton, Hannah 657 

Hitchborn, Benjamin 435, 440, 444 

Hoadiey, Tiioraas 251, 267 

Hobart, Benjamin 554 

Hobart, Thomas 555 

Holbrook, Amos 548 

Holbrook, Dorothy 276 

Holbrook, Ebenezer 276 

Holbrook, George 600 

Holden, James 416-623, passim 

Holland, Nathaniel. . ,62, 88, 92, 93, 94 

Ilollidge, Richard 25 

Holman, Silas 569 

Holmes, Charles J 620 

Holmes, Nathaniel 61, 62 

Holton, Henry 295 

Holton, Samuel 394 

Ilolyoke, Elizur 597, 617 

Hood, Charles 585 

Horden, Robert 77 

Horton, Katherine 112 



Howe, Caleb 135 

Howe, David 664 

Howe, John 365-527, passim 

Howe, Samuel, jr 554 

Howen, Ann 68 

Huwen, Israel 68 

Hubbard, Abel 490-562, passim 

Hubbard, Samuel 552, 554, 502 

Hu.lson, William 10, 24 

Hull, George 621, 631 

Hull, John 34-68, passim 

Hull, Robert 15, 74 

Hulton, Henry 262 

Humphreys, James 512 

Hunt, John 633 

Hunting, Reubin 674-633, passim 

Hunting, Thomas 619 

Hutchinson, Edward 9-68, passim 

Hutchineon, Elisha 54, 56, 243 

Hutchinson, Thomas 243, 479 

Hutchinson, William 12, 14, 16 

Hyde, A 608 

Hyde, T 608 

Hyslop, Daniel 458 

Hyslop, David 290-537, passim 

Hyslop, William 218-391, passim 

Hyslop, William, jr 375 

Ines, Mathcw 18 

Inge, Mawdit 24 

Ingersol, Natlianiel, 477, 508 

Ingolsbey, John 48 

Ireland, William 34 

Jackson, Abigail 384 

Jackson, Abraham 231-278, passim 

Jackson, Amasa 544 

Jackson, Asa 658 



Horton, Timothy 554 Jackson, Charles 585 

Houchings, Jeremiah 40 Jack.son, Edmund 18, 19 

Houlton, Robert 17, 32 Jackson, Ezra 365, 658 



Hovey, Caleb 141, 143 

Hovoy, Henry 633 

Hovey, Widow 120 



Jackson, Jonathan 369-533, passim 

Jackson, Jonathan, jr 535, 537 

Jackson, Rev. Joseph. .192-421, pas.sim 



Howard, Phinep.s 384 Jackson, Margaret 658 

Howe, Adam 469 Jackson, Molly 668 



fiOG 



Jackson, Nathan 658 

Jackson, Sarah 384, 658 

Jackson, Thaddeus 278-581, iDassim 

Jackson, Thaddeus, jr 400, 535, 658 

Jackson, Timothy 493 

Jackson, William 593-631, passim 

Jameson, William 574, 583 

Jaquith, Asa 544 

Jaryis, Charles 387, 404 

Jarvis, William C 565 

Jeffors, Elizabeth 645 

Jewett, Sarah 384 

John, (Indian) 75 

Johnson, James 18, 19, 33, 34 

JoUiffe, John 40, 44, 54, 56 

Jones, Elizabeth 69 

Jones, James 384 

Jones, John Coffin 460 

Jones, Joseph 452-523, passim 

Jones, Moses 541- 628, passim 

Jones, Stephen 586, 612 

Jones, S. S. C 574, 583 

Jordan, Josiah 340 

Keayne, Robert 15, 16, 24 

Kellon, Mary 651 

Kendall, Joseph G 9, 620 

Kendrick, Ebenezer,. . . .95-185, passim 

Kendrick, John 26, 32 

Kendrick, Nathaniel 151, 159, 652 

Kendrick, Thomas 215, 247, 656 

Kibby, Edward. .39, 43, 44, 53, 54, 55 

King, Dr 216 

King William 228-532, passim 

Kingsbury, Daniel 635 

Kingsbury, John 517, 533, 607 

Kingsbury, Jona., jr. . .297-501, passim 

Kitteridge, Joseph 554, 620 

Kitteridge, Theodore 532 

Kitteridge, Thomas 459 

Knight. Elizabeth 269 

Knight, Maclin 33 

Knight, Mary 269 

Knight, Mary, 2d 369 

Knight, Stephen ' 268 

Lake, John 69 



Lake, Thomas 36, 44 

Lamb, William 73 

Landeree, Joseph 657 

Larnard, Daniel 410, 417, 429 

Lawton, William 486, 523 

LeBlance, Joseph 657 

LeBlance, Maddie 657 

LeBlance, Mary 657 

Lee, Joseph 608 

Lee, Samuel 585, 620 

Lee, Thomas Ill, 130, 138, 607 

Leeds, James 437-631, passim 

Leland, Sherman 548-571, passim 

Leonard, George 460 

Levant, Frank 215 

Leveague, Francis 223 

Leverett, Daniel 452 

Leverett, Major General 43 

Leveritt, John 26, 73, 74 

Leveritt, Thomas 13-30, passim 

Leveritt, William 434, 437 

Lewis, John 69 

Lewis, WinslOw 619 

Lincoln, Benjamin 327-336, passim 

Lincoln, Heman 552 

Lincoln, Jonathan 585 

Lincoln, Levi 479-584, passim 

Loker, Alvin 571-633, passim 

Longley, Thomas 620 

Lord, John 460 

Loring, Miss 365 

Lothrop, Howard 620 

Lothi'op, Samuel 551-595, passim 

Loud Samuel P 545-637, passim 

Love, John 23 

Lovell, Joseph 444 

Lovell, Solomon 319-356, passim 

Lowell, John 301-356, passim 

Loyd, James 562 

Lucas, John 412-493, passim 

Lyall, Francis 16 

Lyman, Theodore 552 

Mackintosh, Alexander. 279-652, passim 

Magoon, Joshua 582-612, passim 

Makepeace, Thomas 26 



r.97 



Man, Abijah 383 

Man, Soth 614, G37 

Mandell, Thomas G'JO 

Marble, Nelson 5G4 

i^larian, Martlia 273 

Marian, Sanuiel 267 

Marian, Thomas 267 

MarifieUl, Abigail 384 

Marion, John fil 

Marshall, Thomas 31, 32, 33 

Marshall, William 448, 462, 472 

Marston, Nymphas 554, 555, 535 

Mary, Queen of England 238 

Mason, Arthur 39 

Mason, Edward 655 

Mason, Jonathan 356-533, passim 

Mason, Ralph 24, 35, 37, 40, 74 [ 

Mattoon, Ebenezer 585 

Mayo, Abigail 654 : 

Mayo, Thomas 654 | 

Mcllvaine, John 271 ' 

Mcllvaine, William., 271 I 

McKoron, Hugh 268 | 

Mears, Robert 21, 23 i 

Meriam, Abel 434-468, passim , 

Meriara, Nathaniel 245, 257 I 

Merion, Anna 656 | 

Merion, Edward 656 ; 

Merion, Hannah 656 

Merion, John 656 I 

Merion, Mehitable 656 [ 

Merion, Rebecca 656 ' 

Mcrphew, Bryan 68 

Merrick, Piiney 585 

Messenger, Heni'y 26 

Metcalf, John 356 

Metcalf, Jonathan 301, 319, 356 

Metcalf, Michael 329, 330 

Metcalf, Stephen 341-424, passim 

Metcalf, Theron 609, 615 

Miles, Benjamin 201 

Miles, Edward 45 

Miller, Nathaniel 551, 621 

Mills, Elijah 268 

Mills, John 680, 584 

Minot, George B 480 



Minot, Widow 47 

Mitchell, Robert 571 

Monroe, Eunice 270 

Moore, John 3'J 

Moraun, Dorman GO 

Morean, Martha 859 

Morean, William 95, 90 

Morgan, Charles W G20 

Moriarty, John 585 

Morse, George 517, 583 

Morse, Martin 551-633, passim 

Morton, Marcus 651-631 passim 

Morton, Nathaniel 502 

Morton, Perez 448 

Mosely, Ebenezer 585 

Mulloon, Ebenezer 460 

Murdock, George 632 

Murdock, Nathaniel.. . .424-582, passim 

Murdock, Theodore 586 

.Mylam, John 20 

Nash, Rachel 384 

Newell, Artemas 632 

Newell, George 612 

Newell, Isaac 76 

Newell, Jacob 75 

Newell, John 152-181, passim 

NeweU, Josiah 330, 594 

Newell, Moses 171-178, passim 

Newell, Samuel 95-149, passim 

Newell, Timothy 459 

Newgate, John 15, 1 6, 24 

Newhall, James 569 

Newland, John 330 

Newton, Edward 620 

Nichols, Abraham 648 

Niles, Samuel 301, 311, 335, 342 

Noble, Daniel 547, 5oo 

Norton, John P 569 

Noyes, Amos 585 

Noyes, John 69 

Noyes, Oliver 66, 83 

Noyes, William 69 

Oakes, Thomas 84 

Obrine, Jamei 647 



fi98 



Odiorne, George 609 

Odlyn, John 24-37, passim 

Offley David 2G 

Oldham, Samuel 641 

Oliver (Olyvar), Daniel 61,640 

Oliver, James 29, 83, 34, 44 

Oliver John 31 

Oliver, Nathaniel 641 

Oliver Peter 29-40, passim 

Oliver, Thomas 10-72, passim 

Olney, Richard 585 

Ormesby, Anne 18 

Orne, Azor 300, 301 

Os,2;ood, Major 802 

Otis, Harrison Gray 414, 428, 547 

Otis, Samuel Allen 341 , 363 

Paddy, William 34, 35 

Painter, Thomas 2'"i, 73 

Palmer, John, 28 

Palmer, Joseph 301, 311 

Parker, Isaac 460 

Parker, James 58 

Parker, Jane 73, 74 

Parker, John 48-74, passim 

Parker, Margaret 74 

Parker, Noah 74 

Parker, Peter 165-211, passim 

Parker, Richard 51, 74 

Parker, Samuel 516 

Parker, Thomas 74 

Parker, Timothy 214, 219, 222 

Parker, William 38 

Parks, William 38 

Partridge, Elizabeth 505, 524 

Payson, Thomas 585 

Pearepoint, John 38 

Pecke, Thomas 51 

Pell, William 20, 22 

Pemberton, James 39-53, passim 

Pemberton, John 18 

Penn, James 11, 14, 16, 24 

Penniman, Elisha 552-570, passim 

Perkins, S. H 583 

Perkins, Thomas H 505-624, passim 

Perry, Daniel 5C6-636, passim 



Perry, Edward 562 

Perry, Hannah 611 

Perry, Isaac 24, 74 

Persons, Thomas 399 

Pettes, William 633 

Philbrick, Samuel 582-628, passim 

Phillips, John 59 

Phillips, Jonathan 552 

Phillips, Samuel 435, 440 

Phillips, William 349-544, passim 

Phipps, Samuel 490 

Phipps, Solomon 65, 87, 89 

Phipps, Thomas 641 

Pickering, John 300 

Pierce, Daniel 490-633, passim 

Pierce Edward 634 

Pierce, John 414-632, passim 

Pierce, John H 571, 597, 628 

Pierce, Levi 529 

Pierce, Peter H 569, 585 

Pierce, Silas 599,628 

Piggott, Christopher 34 

Pitts, John 301-335, passim 

Pompey, (negro) 276 

Pond, Eliphalet 410, 495, 507 

Pormont, Philemon 12, 21, 23 

Porter. Ann 660 

Porter, Samuel 554 

Potter, Ann 616 

Potter, Hannah 191, 192 

Potter, Nathaniel 181-192, passim 

Powell, Jeremiah 300-335, passim 

Prentiss, Nathaniel S 607 

Price, Daniel 392 

Price, Ezekiel 311, 319, 327, 335 

Primus, (negro) 348 

Prout, Joseph 63, 64, 83, 98 

Prout, Timothy 58 

Purton, Elizabeth 19, 20 

Putnam , Jesse 569 

Pynchon, Mr 15 

Quincy , Edmund 9,13 

Quincy, Josiah 436 

Ragon, John 170 



699 



Rainsford, Edward 38-00, passim 

Randolph, Edward 57-86, passim 

Rantoul, Robert 620 

Rawson, Edward 9 

lieade, Esdras 24 

Rcade, Robert 17 

Reed, Isaac 306 

Reed, John 366-454, passim 

Reed, Jonas 543, 557 

Reed, William 554 

Remington, Lieutenant 37 

Reube, (Indian) 75 

Reynolds, Benjamin. . ..536-554, passim 

Reynolds, Robert 20, 21, 24, 31 

Rice, Thomas 400 

Richards, Aaron 533 

Richards, Ebenezer. . . .409-618, passim 
Richards, Ebenezer, jr. . . .581, 586, 598 

Richards, Elizabeth 523 : 

Richards, James 540 

Richards, John 40, 44, 69 

Richards, Josiah 612, 616 

Richardson, James . . . .488-637, passim 

Richardson, Joseph L 631 

Rickctson, Joseph 585 

Bobbins, Daniel 650 

Robbins, Edward 401-569, passim 

Robbins, James W 585 

Robbins, John 641, 642 

Robinson, Albert A 586 

Robinson, James 581-632, passim 

Robinson, John 405-635, passim 

Robinson, Stephen 511 

Roicerson, Robert 170-180, passim 

Root, Ralph 17, 32, 34 

Root, Robert 73 

Rose, Nathaniel 268 

Ross, John 509 

Rossiter, David 400 

Rotch, William 502 

Ruggles, Edward 97, 205, 661 

Ruggles, John 539-659, passim 

Ruggles, Nathaniel. . . .501-534, passim 

Ruggles, Samuel 61, 62, 376, 378 

Russell, James 55 

Russell, Nathaniel P 555 



Russell, Thomas 370-394, passim 

Salter, William 19, 20, 74 

Saltonstall, Leverett 554, 620 

Samson, Alexander 182 

Sanborn, Hugh M 586 

Sanderson, Daniel 570-636, passim 

Sanford, Richard 78 

Sargent, Ebenezer 145-216, pa!»im 

Saunders, Silvester 24 

Saunfbrd, John 9-16, passim 

Savage, Epliraim 66, 71, 88 

Savage, Prudence 652 

Savage Thomas 16-68, passim 

Scammel, John C 014, 637 

Scott, Joseph 111-124, passim 

Scott, Robert 25 

Scottow, Joshua 26, 30, 38 

Scottow, Thomas 23-74, passim 

Scottow, Thomasyn 17 

Scudder, David 502 

Se.agor, William 653 

Searl, John 87 

Sears, D 573 

Seaver, Daniel 283 

Seaver, Ebenezer 424-609, passim 

Seaver, Elizabeth 648 

Seaver, John 66-152, passim 

Seaver, John, jr 128, 129, 143, 649 

Seaver, Juball 47 

Seaver, Nahum 462 

Seaver, Nathaniel 122-427, passim 

Seaver, Sarah 427 

' Seaver, Submit 656 

j Seaver, Tubal 658 

I Seaver, William 460 

] Seaverns, Joel 384 

! Seaverns, N 565 

Seaverns, Thomas 612, 610 

Sogar, Henry 63 

SewcU, Henry 153-321, passim 

Sewcll, Joseph 553, 564 

I Sewell, Samuel 53-105, passim 

I Sewell, Samuel, jr 79-128, passim 

' Shaler, William U 682 

I Sharp, Jacob 228, 232, 246 



700 



Sharp, John 47, 49, 658 

Sharp, Robert 96-399 , passim 

Sharp, Robert, jr 153-210, passim 

Sharp, Sarah 279 

Sharp, Stephen 228-599, passim 

Sharp, William 65-114, passim 

Shaw, Abel B 578 

Shaw, Henry 585 

Sheafe, Jacob 36 

Shedd, James 96-661, passim 

Shepherd, William 460 

Sheppard, Edward 38 

Sheppavd, Ralph 62-94, passim 

Sherlan, James 650 

Sherman, Richard 26, 72 

Sibley, Charles 585 

Silsbee, Nathaniel 554, 620 

Simpson, John K 669 

Sinclair, John 268 

Slack, Samuel 385-560, passim 

Smith, Anna 650 

Smith, Ebenezer 225, 253 

Smith, Ithamar 283 

Smith, Jacob 533 

Smith, James L 576 

Smith, Jonathan 459 

Smith, Joseph 75, 276, 277 

Smith, Lambert 268 

Smith, Lydia 283 

Smith, Mary 655 

Smith, Oliver 554 

Smyth, John .• 25 

Snow, Amos 557, 612, 616 

Snow, Silas 526, 659 

Snow, Thomas 15, 22, 72 

Snowdon, AVilliam 646 

South worth. Consider 584 

Sparhawk, Isaac 332 

Sparhawk, Nathaniel 641, 642 

Spaulding, Leonard 611 

Spear, John 240-283, passim 

Spoore, John 72 

Sprague, Seth 569 

Spring, Abigail, 656 

Spurr, Eliphalet 429-490, passim 

Squer, Samuel 647 



Starkweather, Oliver 569 

Stearns, Charles 478-636, passim 

Stearns, Charles, jr . . . . 644-632, passim 

Stearns, George W 465-628, passim 

Stearns, John 586 

Stearns, John G 612, 616 

Stearns, Josiah 460 

Stearns, Marshall 575-632, passim 

Stebbens, Asa 685 

Stebbens, Henry 82 

Stedman, Isaac 36 

Stedman, John 38 

Stedman, Joseph 643 

Stedman, Joshua 80-207, passim 

Stedman, Nathaniel 39-178, passim 

Stedman, Thomas 60-136, passim 

Stedman, Thomas, jr 80, 89, 96 

Stetson, Amasa 500 

Stevens, Henry 34-659, passim 

Stevens, Rev. Mr 163 

Stevens, Timothy 62 

Stimpson, Samuel 585 

Stone, Artemas 490, 494 

Stone, Elisha 429-632, passim 

Stone, Reuben 523 

Stone, Ward 541 

Story, William 97, 102 

Stoughton, William 57, 77, 85 

Stradock, Eunice 651 

Stradock, Mary 651 

Strong, Caleb 435-518, passim 

Strong, Lewis 655 

Strong, Solomon 554 

Sullivan, Benjamin 68 

Sullivan, James 334-488, passim 

Sullivan, John L 465 

Sullivan, Richard 502-613, passim 

Sullivan, Samuel 479 

Sullivan, William 566 

Sutton, Jonas S 569 

Sutton, William 554 

Swallow, Abel 535 

Symons, (negro) 641 

Taft, Bezaleel 620 

Taft, Dundridge 537, 539 



701 



Tall)ott, Lancclott 75 

'J'almadge, William 15, 22, 29, 72 

Tappan, Charles 57'J 

Tappan, AVilliam 19 

Tiirbox, Rebecca 276 

Tanie, Miles 30 

Tay, Isaiah 64, G5 

Taylor, John 114 

Taylor, Richard 44 

Taylor, Samuel 620 

Thatcher, Moses 575-581, passim 

Thayer, Ebcnczcr 3'.)4-454, passim 

Thayer, Elisha 546 

Thayer, Isaac 613, 614 

Thayer, Jeremiah 209, 215 

Thayer, John 586 

Thayer, Jotham 517, 520, 531 

Tliayer,' Lot 369 

Thayer, Lnthcr 606 

Thayer, Seth 606, 618, 628, 632 

Thaj'er, Zepheniah 423—434, passim 

Thayer, Zephion 435, 437 

Thomas, Joshua 502 

Thompson, George 616, 659 

Thompson, Jabez P 620 

Thompson, William. . . .2^2-308, passim 

Thompson, William W 585, 609 

Thornton, Timothy 71 

Thurber, Daniel 554-610, passim 

Tildeu, Thomas 570-624, passim 

Tillinghast, Allen 609, 615 

Tinge, AVilliam 24-77, passim 

Tis lale, James 505 

Tisdale, Joseph 500 

Tolman, Jonas o75-541, passim 

Tompson, David 658 

Tompson, Katherine 658 

Toney, Susanna 276 

Torrey, Jonathan 59-110, passim 

Torrey, Philip 645 

Tounnaguin, (Indian) 75 

Tower, Augustus 554 

Towne, Solon, jr., 554 

Townsend, Timothy 442, 494 

Townsend, William 19 

Toy, William 73 

89 



Travis, Curtis 507 

Trow, Richard 511 

Ti'owbridge, Nathan 008 

Trowbridge, Stephen W 008 

Trul, Jonathan .• 384 

Tucker, Ann 384, 056, 657 

Tucker, Henry 268 

Tufts, Aaron 586 

Tufts, Cotton 31 9-460, passim 

Tufts, Simon 550 

Turin, Daniel 54, 56 

Turner, Charles 460 

Turner John 48, 49 

Turner, Robert, 22-4 1 , passim 

Turner, Royal, 575, 579 

Turpin, John 582 

Tuttell, Richard 14 

Tuttle, Francis 20 

Twiss, Luther 544 

Tj'ng, Jonathan 57, 77, 85 

Tytus, Robert, 21 

Underbill, John 1 5, 21 , 22, 25 

Uphara, Edward 459 

Upham, Mary 654 

Usher, Ilezekiah 36, 40, 44 

Usher, John 48-85, passim 

I Vane, Henry 13 

' Varnum, .Joseph B 390, 488, 504 

j Vokes, Robert 653 

Vose, Elijah 609, 615 

Vose, Henry 403 

j Voync, John 652 

: Voyne, Rebecca 052 

Wales, B. C 595 

Wales, Ebenczer 327, 356, 401 

Walker, Benjamin 620, 639 

Walker, Boijamin, jr 641 

Walker, ^Mary 655 

Walker, RoViert 20, 23, 24 

Walker, Thomas 60 

Walker, William 554 

Walley, Rev. Mr 163 

Walley, Thomas 456-561, passim 

Ward, Artemas 300, 464 



703 



Ward, Benjamin 16, 17, 32 

Ward, John 539 

Wardall, Thomas 12, 21 

Warden, Natlianiel 162 

Ware, Jairus 522, 527 

Warne, Rev. Joseph. . . . 582-612, passim 

Warren, Charles 529 

Warren, Ebenezer 471 

Warren, James 300-459, passim 

Warren, John 490-633, passim 

Warwick, (negro) 276 

Webb, Christopher 71-609, passim 

Webb, Ebenezer 360-442, passim 

Webb, Henry 30 

Webster, Thomas 554 

Wedge, John 127 

Welch, Sarah 657 

Weld, Benjamin 533 

Weld, David 365 

Weld, Eleazer 277 

Weld, Esther 658 

Weld, Job 324 

Weld, John 75 

Weld, Joseph 643 

Weld, Thomas 38 

Wendall, Oliver 387-460, passim 

Wentworth, James 612, 616 

Wesson, James 222-268, passim 

Weswall, John 40 

Wharton, Richard 57, 77, 85 

Wheeler, Thomas 615, 24, 74 

White, Aaron 213 

White, Ann 283, 363 

White, Bartholomew 511, 512, 513 

White, Benjamin 56-659, passim 

White, Benjamin, jr. . . ,80-503, passim 

White, Daniel 231-512, passim 

White, Ebenezer 283-869, passim 

White, Ebenezer, jr 283 

White, Edward 108-203, passim 

White, Hannah 283 

White, James 490 

White, Jemima 269 

White, John 33-271, passim 

White, John, jr 49, 53, 54, 86 

White, John Lorcn : 288 



White, Joseph 46-632, passim 

White, Joseph, jr 125, 198 

White, Mary 283, 511, 512, 513 

White, Micah 545 

White, Moses 142-386, passim 

White, Moses, jr 257, 278 

White, Oliver, 203 

White, Samuel 99-663, passim 

White, Samuel, jr 196, 283 

White, Thomas 213-524, passim 

Whiting, George . 575, 579 

Whiting, John 459 

Whiting, Thomas 567 

Whitmarsh, Seth 620 

AVhitmarsh, Thomas 581 

Whitmore, Beulah 654 

Whitmore, John 654 

Whitmore, John, jr 654 

Whitmore, Nathaniel 64G 

Whitmore, Silas 654 

Whitney, Abigail 27;") 

Whitney, Elijah 208, 211 

Whitney, Elizabeth 275 

Whitney, John 595 

Whitney, Martha 657 

Whitney, Olivei' 275 

Whitney, Sarah 275 

Whitney, William 220 

Whittemore, Samuel 183 

Whittier, John 562, 563, 564 

Whyte, Oliver 491-637, passim 

Wilbore, Phebe 136 

Wilbore, Samuel 9, 11 

Wild, Charles 538-632, passim 

Wild, David 516 

Wild, Samuel S 460 

Wilkins, John H 597 

Willard, Josiah 662 

Willard, William 569 

William, King of England 238 

Williams, Benjamin P. . 609-637, passim 

Williams, Charles. 68 

Williams, John D 585 

Williams, John M 654, 555, 585 

Williams, John S 514 

WiUiams, Joseph 543, 547 



i03 



Williams, N.-itlianiel G4, 05 i 

Williainsi, Robert 214 

Williams, Sarah 270 

Williams, Steplien 277 

Williams, Thomas G8-470, passim 

Williams, irii/ow G9 

Willis, Edward 56 

Willis, Nathan G20 

Willis, Nathaniel 668-585, passim 

Willis, Nicholas 12 

Willis, Stillman 508 

Wilson, Jacob 24 

W'ilson, John 1 o 

Wilson, Nathaniel 33, 4G 

Wilson, William 19 

Wilton, Elizabeth 2G9 

Wilton, Nathaniel 269 

Wilton, Samuel 2G9 

Wilton, Susanna 2G9 

Winchester, Alexander 21, 22, 36 

Winchester, Amariah. . . 105-645, passim 

Winchester, Benjamin 124, 271 

Winchester, Caleb 137 

Winchester, Charles 268, 531 

Winchester, Danforth 267 

Winchester, Daniel 182 

Winchester, Elhanan. .117-360, passim 
Winchester, Gulliver. ..214-365, passim 

Winchester, Henry 99-175, passim 

Winchester, Isaac 165-305, passim 

Winchester, James 278, 290 

Winchester, John 43-267, passim 

Winchester John, jr. . . .50-139, passim 
Winchester, Jonathan,. 101-195, passim 

Winchester, Jonathan, jr 381 

Winchester, .Joseph.,. . . .04-250, passim 

Winchester, Josiah 58-170, passim 

W^inchester, Josiah, jr. . .80-128, passim 

Winchester, Martha 384 

Winchester, Mary 267 

Winchester, Nathan. . 165, 178 

Winchester, Nathaniel.. 290, 515, passim 

Winchester, Ruth 653 

Winchester, Samuel 333, 360, 384 

Winchester, Samuel, jr 384 

Winchester, Silas 267-333, passim 

Winchester, Stephen 669 

Winchester, Steven., 105 



Winchester, Thomas 053 

Winchester, William 310, 399 

Winchester, William, jr 3H4 

Wing, Robert 27 

Winian, John 053 

Winian, Mary 053 

Winship, Joseph 433, 480, passim 

Winsliip, Josiiua 203, 283, passim 

Winthrop, .fames 459 

Winthrop, John 10-77, passim 

Winthrop, Theodore 508 

Winthrop, Thomas L. . .554-580, passim 

Winthrop, Waite 57, 77, 85 

Wiswall, John 09 

Withington, E>1 enezer 511 

Withington, Enos 405-594, passim 

Withington, Mather 512 

Witliington, Otis 571-628, passim 

Wolcott, Edward K. . . .281-600, passim 

Woicott, Hannah 600 

Wood, Royal 240, 257, 278, 290 

Wood, Ruth 271 

Woodman, John 460 

W^oods, James 96, 267 

Woodward, Abraham 97-195, passim 

Woodward, Artemas o60-39-J, passim 

Woodward, Caleb 182-227, passim 

W^oodward, Elisha 267 

W' oodward, Jesse 494 

Woodward, John 120-561, passim 

Woodward, John, jr 480 

Woodward, .Joseph.. .170, 178, 207, 214 

Woodward, Joseph, jr 360 

Woodward, .Joshua 19G-257, passim 

Woodward, Nathaniel... .18-122, passim 

Woodward , Robert 1 36 

Woodward, Tiiomas 60-196, passim 

Woodward, Thomas, jr. 124-220, passim 
Woodward, Thomas M.. 597-652, pas.sim 

Woodward, William 129 

Wright, Ebenczer 397 

Wright, Richard 12, 13 

Wyman, Benjamin 586 

Wyman, Thomas 225-607, passim 

Wyman, William, 615, 006 

Zan, Oliver 268 



BROOKLINE TOWN GOVERNMENT. 



« »«»»—»— 



MODERATOR. 
CHARLES 11. DREW. 

TOWN TRE.\SURER. TOWNCI.EKK. 

MOSES WT'l'HINGTON. B. F. BAKER. 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN. 

THOMAS PARSONS, Chairman. 
CHARLES D. HEAD, HORACE JAMES, 

CHARLES K. KIRBY, A. W. BENTON, 

C. D Lincoln, Clerk. 

BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS. 

CHARLES H. DREW, Chairman. 
CHARLES K. KIRBY, FRANKLIN DARRACOTT. 

N. C. TowLE, Secretary. 

TRUSTEES OF BROOKLINE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 

THo^L^s Parsons, Geo. F. Homer, 

.\. D. Chandler, Augustine Shurtleff, 

Robert Amory, William Lamson, • •: 

R. G. F. Candage, Edw'd C. Cabot, 

William Aspinwall, Chas. D. Head, 

R. S. Davis, Geo. M. Towle. 

SCHOOL COMMITTEE. 

R. G. F. Candage, W. W. Newton, 

Geo. Brooks, Wm. H. Lincoln, 

J. Eliot Cabot, Rob't Amory, 

Chas. H. Drew, Stephen S. Salisbury. 

M. Driscoll. 



f 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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